Enteral stents are safe and effective to relieve malignant gastric outlet obstruction in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Nausea, vomiting and intolerance to oral intake are usually the first presenting symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction, which not only cause malnutrition and increases chances of aspiration pneumonia but also greatly impair the quality of life. Self expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are both effective and safe to relieve the distressing symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of endoscopic enteral stent insertion in malignant gastric outlet obstruction in older versus younger patients.

METHODS: Eighty two patients were identified to have undergone SEMs insertion for malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Of these, 26 were ≥65 years (older patient group) and 56 were ≤65 years (younger patient group). These were retrospectively reviewed to assess the success rate and the complications of the procedure.

RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of technical success (100 % in older patient group versus 97 % in younger patient group). Clinical success rate, as determined by gastric outlet obstruction scoring system score (GOOSS) was also similar in both groups. Additionally, the rate of complications in both groups was also comparable, 27 % in older patient versus 23 % in younger patients (p = 0.085).

CONCLUSION: Enteral stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction is effective in the older patient groups with its success rate and complications comparable to younger patient population.