Malignant gastroduodenal obstruction: An endoscopic approach

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction describes a constellation of symptoms that can result as a common endpoint from a variety of primary tumours, particularly those of the upper gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Affected patients face a dismal, undignified and rapid decline in health secondary to malnutrition, dehydration and constant nausea with associated vomiting. Palliative treatment has traditionally involved a gastrojejunostomy-a major undertaking given the functional status of these patients. More recent advances in the endoscopic placement of metal stents to relieve obstruction have clear benefits over the surgical method. We look at the factors involved in patient selection, the techniques and considerations involved in stent deployment and the potential complications associated with this method.