Comparison of Wallstent and Ultraflex stents for palliation of malignant left-sided colon obstruction: a retrospective, case-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are accepted palliation for malignant colon obstruction. Outcomes of different stent types is unknown.
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare outcomes after palliative placement of the Enteral Wallstent (EW) and the Precision Colonic Ultraflex (PCU) stent.
DESIGN: Retrospective study of all SEMS placement during a 7-year period.
SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: Malignant left-sided colon obstruction in which through-the-scope (TTS) or non-TTS stent placement was possible. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical and clinical success rates, stent-related complications, reintervention.
RESULTS: Demographics, degree, site, and cause of obstruction were comparable. Technical difficulties were more frequent with EW than PCU (16% vs 9%, P not significant), insufficient stent expansion and stent misplacement being most common. Relief of obstruction occurred in all patients when placement was technically successful. Mean follow-up was 93 days (range 7-691 days). Early (<7 days) stent occlusion (6% vs 0%, P not significant) and migration (4% vs 0%, P not significant) occurred more frequently in the EW group. Self-limited hematochezia was more common with PCU (20% vs 2%, P = .002). Delayed complications (perforation, stent occlusion, migration, and erosion) occurred significantly more often in the EW group (38% vs 20%). Reintervention was needed more frequently for EW, endoscopic (40% vs 17%, P = .01) and operative (46% vs 26%, P = .03).
CONCLUSIONS: Enteral Wallstents and Precision Ultraflex Colonic stents adequately relieve colonic obstruction. Stent dysfunction, stent-related complications, and need for reintervention are higher after EW placement. Precision Colonic Ultraflex stents appear better suited for palliation of left-sided malignant colon obstruction.