Benign and malignant stenoses of the stomach and duodenum: treatment with self-expanding metallic endoprostheses.

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