Post-metallic stent placement bleeding caused by stent-induced ulcers

Placement of self-expandable metal stents （SEIVIS） is an effective mode of palliative treatment for patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction. Gastrointestinal mucosal bleeding complicates about 5% of placement of SEIVIS but is not well described. We report three cases of gastrointestinal bleeding post-SEIVIS placement and suggest that bleeding is caused by direct mucosal infringement by the sharp edges of the ends of the stents. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved