Gastric outlet obstruction in gastric cancer: a comparison of three palliative methods

Abstract

Background: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) commonly occurs in advanced gastric cancer. Our aim was to evaluate the results of endoscopic stenting (ES), palliative resection (PR), and gastrojejunostomy (GJ) as palliation of GOO.

Methods: A total of 97 patients (50 ES, 26 PR, 21 GJ) were included in this retrospective study. All the patients had primary gastric cancer and symptoms of GOO.

Results: Compared to surgery, ES resulted in a faster improvement on oral intake and symptom relief (P < 0.001) and a shorter hospitalization (P < 0.001). Complication rates, hospital re-admissions, occurrence of biliary obstruction, and the number of patients receiving chemotherapy were similar. The median symptom-free and overall survival were longest in the PR group (P < 0.001). In multivariate survival analysis, independent prognostic factors were age, BMI, pre-procedure GOOSS, palliative resection as treatment modality, and chemotherapy.

Conclusions: In gastric cancer and GOO, the clinical condition of the patient before treatment affects survival and should be taken into account in determining the treatment. PR seems to provide a survival benefit and should be considered as treatment option for patients suitable for surgery. For patients unfit for surgery, ES provides rapid and efficient palliation. Chemotherapy also seems to improve survival in gastric cancer and GOO.

Keywords: gastric carcinoma; stent; surgical therapy.