Gastric outlet obstruction: when you cannot do an endoscopic gastroenterostomy or enteral stent, try an endoscopic duodenojejunostomy or jejunojejunostomy

Abstract

Background and Aims: Certain situations preclude an endoscopic gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) or enteral stent placement in gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), leaving patients with the option of a surgical bypass or enteral nutrition beyond the point of obstruction. We present a third option in these situations: an endoscopic duodenojejunostomy (EUS-DJ) or jejunojejunostomy (EUS-JJ). Methods: This was a retrospective review of 5 patients whose anatomy precluded an endoscopic gastrojejunostomy and an enteral stent, who underwent a successful EUS-DJ or EUS-JJ from 2016 to 2018. Results: Four EUS-DJs and 1 EUS-JJ were performed, with use of a 15-mm cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent by direct technique. All cases were technically successful. Three patients tolerated an unrestricted diet, but 2 patients needed enteral supplementation or total parenteral nutrition because of severe gastroparesis. There was 1 moderate adverse event: bleeding from severe reflux esophagitis and gastroparesis. No reinterventions were needed on any of these stents, for a median follow-up time of 23 weeks. Conclusions: When anatomy precludes an EUS-GE or enteral stent, an EUS-DJ or EUS-JJ may have similarly successful outcomes and could help avoid the need for enteral feeding tubes or surgery.