BENIGN AND MALIGNANT STENOSES OF THE STOMACH AND DUODENUM - TREATMENTWITH SELF-EXPANDING METALLIC ENDOPROSTHESES

PURPOSE: To assess palliation of inoperable stenoses of the stomach an d the duodenum with self-expanding metallic endoprostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance, 13 W allstents were placed in nine consecutive patients, two with benign an d seven with malignant obstruction. RESULTS: Technical success was ach ieved in eight patients (89%). One failure was due to stent dislocatio n during implantation. No major complications occurred; in two patient s (22%), additional stents were implanted to improve patency. During t he followup, which was 1-52 weeks (mean, 17 weeks) or until death ther e were no signs of stent obstruction. In seven patients (78%), quality of life improved substantially with restoration of oral food intake a nd relief of vomiting. CONCLUSION: The placement of Wallstents offers good palliation of inoperable outlet stenoses of the stomach and the d uodenum. With a combined radiologic and endoscopic approach, it is an easy and rapid procedure that can be performed without general anesthe sia.