In this study, we assessed a series of our cases in which endoscopic self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) were used to treat malignant afferent loop obstruction (ALO) that arose after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We retrospectively examined the records of 7 patients who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for malignant ALO following PD. Clinical success was achieved in all cases. The median procedure time was 30 min (range, 15-50 min). There were no cases of stent occlusion, and no procedure-related adverse events were encountered. All patients died of their primary disease, and the median overall survival period was 155 days (range, 96-374 days). A re-intervention involving endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy combined with antegrade stenting was performed for obstructive jaundice and acute cholangitis in 1 case. In conclusion, endoscopic SEMS placement may be an effective and safe treatment for malignant ALO that arises after PD.
Keywords: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent; Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy combined with antegrade stenting; Malignant afferent loop obstruction.