Revisiting malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Where do we stand?

Abstract

The scope of management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction is ever-expanding. The therapeutic use of endoscopy is gaining popularity not just owing to its technical advancement and satisfactory patient outcomes. With technical success rates close to 96%, stent placement for palliating gastric obstruction has ensured a median survival of about 2 months post-deployment of gastro-duodenal stents. Understanding the correct concept of palliation is the need of the hour in management. Identifying the right patient for palliation, selecting the appropriate intervention and auditing the outcome are vital in delivering optimal care. Also, newer procedures such as endoscopic gastro-enterostomy offer promising outcomes in palliative care.