OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic self-expanded metal stent for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction.

METHODSFifty-six cases of gastric outlet obstruction, collected from March 1999 to January 2008, were treated by endoscopic self-expanded metal stents. The success rate, complication rate and survival were evaluated.

RESULTSAmong the 56 cases, the male to female ratio was 33 to 23, and the average age was [65+/-14 (24-86)] years. Seventeen cases were gastric cancer, 4 duodenal carcinoma, 7 peri-ampulla carcinoma, 13 metastasis cancer and 15 presented recurrence after operations. The success rate of stent implantation was 98.2% (55/56). Forty-nine cases (87.5%) could eat liquid food 1-3 days after operations and eat semifluid food 4-9 days later. Forty-two cases (76.4%)could eat normal food after 10-16 days. The main complications included 14.5% of cases with pain, 1.8% with stent shift, 25.5% with bleeding and no one with perforation. Until January 20, 2008, 53 cases (96.4%) had been followed up. The mean survival time was [139+/-15 (14-332)] days, and the median survival time was 135 days. The re-stenosis rate was 5.7%, including 3 cases, happened in 143, 158 and 190 days after the operations respectively, and was successfully treated by second stent implantation.

CONCLUSIONEndoscopic implantation of self-expanded metal stent is a micro-invasive, safe, effective method for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction.