Malignant gastroenteric obstruction: therapeutic options

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction is a complication of advanced pancreatic cancer, manifesting endoscopically or radiographically as a stricture of the proximal duodenum. Until recently, management consisted of surgical gastroenteric bypass with or without associated biliary bypass. Over the past decade, the endoscopic deployment of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) emerged as a new option for restoration of enteric patency. Compared with surgical bypass, SEMS placement is less invasive with good clinical outcomes. Aside from SEMS placement and surgical bypass, recent reports of magnetic gastroenteric anastamosis have emerged. This article critically examines each of the different therapeutic options for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, defines their clinical utility, and provides the exact recommendations as to how they may be usefully employed.