Gastroduodenal stent placement versus surgical gastrojejunostomy for the palliation of gastric outlet obstructions in patients with unresectable gastric cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

Objectives: To compare the outcomes between stent placement and surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ) for the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in patients with unresectable gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in a single university hospital in 224 patients with GOO, and who were treated either by stent placement (n = 124) or surgical GJ (n = 100). The outcomes were assessed with reference to the following variables with the use of propensity-score matching: success rates; complications; dysphagia scores, albumin, and body mass index; survival; symptom-free duration; and hospitalization. Results: We identified a well-balanced cohort of 74 pairs of patients, matched on the basis of propensity score. The dysphagia score 7 days after treatment was significantly better in the stent group (P < 0.001). Albumin level 1 month after treatment was significantly lower in the stent group (P < 0.001). Symptom-free duration and hospitalization were significantly longer in the surgery group (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the stent group (P = 0.032). Conclusions: Stent placement can provide faster symptom relief and shorter hospitalization, while surgical GJ can provide longer symptom-free duration, less recurrent obstruction symptoms and better nutritional status.