Esophageal stents are commonly placed for both benign and malignant etiologies. Uncovered or partially covered metal stents are employed for malignant conditions while fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FC-SEMSs) are generally placed for the management of benign conditions. FC-SEMSs are also commonly used for managing perforations, fistulae as well as for palliation of symptoms that result from benign structuring disease. Due to the difficulty of uncovered stent removal, FC-SEMSs and partially covered self-expanding metal stents (PC-SEMS) are increasingly utilized for patients with malignancy undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Stent migration remains the most frequently encountered complication and the main drawback to their use. While some tissue in-growth is expected in the uncovered metal stents with resulting stability, the silicone coating in covered SEMSs, and to some degree in partially covered stents prevents ingrowth, resulting in higher rates of stent migration; rates exceeding 40% are reported in current scientific literature.2 In recent years, suture fixation of stents has been explored for migration mitigation however data is limited to retrospective series and real-world practice varies depending on endoscopist expertise and experience.
The OverStitch Endoscopic Suturing System (Apollo Endosurgery Incorporation, Austin, TX) is an FDA approved endoscopic suturing system initially designed for closure of gut wall during NOTES procedures,3 however it is now commonly employed for closing perforations, leaks, and has recently garnered attention for stent fixation by suturing in place. At West Virginia University, this device is used, depending on endoscopist preference, to suture esophageal stents to prevent migration. The Investigators aim to perform a randomized clinical trial of endoscopic suture fixated and un-sutured stent placement and compare stent migration rates, technical success, clinical success, and adverse events along with healthcare cost utilization in the two groups.
A randomized controlled trial will be performed at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital. Patients who are scheduled for esophageal stent placement will be identified as potential study participants by study personnel and will be approached by study personnel on the day of the procedure. Eligibility will be confirmed, and study procedures will be explained. After informed consent is obtained, the patient will be randomized to one of the two groups and the endoscopy will be informed. Each group will consist of 30 patients.
Esophageal stent will be placed in the standard of care fashion by the endoscopists using standard Olympus gastroscopes. 18 to 23 mm covered self-expanding metal stent will be placed as per endoscopist preference. After esophageal stent placement, endoscopic suturing will be performed in cases of patients randomized to suture fixation.
Suture securement of the esophageal stents will be performed using commercially available devices. All endoscopes, and suturing devices will be used in accordance with appropriate Directions for Use (DFU) provided by the manufacturer. The OverStitch Endoscopic Suturing System (Apollo Endosurgery Incorporation, Austin, TX) is an FDA approved endoscopic suturing system that will be utilized in the suture fixation cohort. Standard scope reprocessing will be performed as per institutional protocol after use.
Baseline chest radiographs will be obtained within one week of stent placement. Repeat radiographs to assess the esophageal stents will be obtained at 4-12 weeks after stent placement or in the event of worsening or new symptoms. Chest Xrays will be assessed by attending consultant radiologist and stent positioning will be determined by comparison to local anatomic skeletal landmarks.
All patients will be contacted by the study team by telephone 30 days after procedure to assess for any ongoing symptoms or adverse events. Information on unplanned visits including unplanned emergency department visits or inpatient admissions will also be collected. Electronic health records of patients will be reviewed at 30 days after procedure for obtaining information on unplanned ED visits, or inpatient visits.
