Palliation of pyloric stenosis caused by gastric cancer using an endoscopically placed covered ultraflex stent: covered stent inside an occluded uncovered stent.

A 71-year-old man developed pyloric stenosis caused by gastric cancer. Vomiting and nausea resolved after the insertion of an uncovered Ultraflex stent (length 10 cm, inner diameter 18-23 mm) through a 7-cm-long stenosis, and the patient was able to eat a soft diet. After 6 weeks, stent occlusion occurred due to tumor ingrowth and accumulation of food residue. Endoscopic observation showed a very narrow residual lumen. A covered Ultraflex stent (length 10 cm, inner diameter 18-23 mm) was inserted through the first stent and expanded to its maximum diameter over the next 2 days. The patient's vomiting and nausea improved rapidly. He died 6 months after the second stenting procedure, from metastatic tumor spread, having remained free of nausea and vomiting. In this case, a covered metallic stent prevented tumor ingrowth and maintained gastrointestinal patency.