Drainage percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for malignant bowel obstruction in gastrointestinal cancers: Prognosis and implications for timing of palliative intervention Journal Article


Authors: Pinard, K. A.; Goring, T. N.; Egan, B. C.; Koo, D. J.
Article Title: Drainage percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for malignant bowel obstruction in gastrointestinal cancers: Prognosis and implications for timing of palliative intervention
Abstract: Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a frequent complication in patients with advanced solid tumors. Palliative relief may be achieved by the use of a drainage percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (dPEG) tube, although optimal timing of placement remains unknown. Objectives: To determine median survival after diagnosis of MBO and dPEG placement, factors associated with worse survival in MBO, factors associated with receipt of dPEG, and association of timing of dPEG placement on survival. Methods: This observational retrospective cohort study examined 439 patients with MBO on a gastrointestinal medical oncology inpatient service. Patients were characterized by age, gender, race, primary cancer type, length of stay, readmission, complications (aspiration pneumonia or bowel perforation), and receipt of dPEG. Select factors were analyzed to examine overall survival (OS) and dPEG placement. Results: Median survival from diagnosis of first MBO was 2.5 months. Median survival after dPEG placement was 37 days. In univariate analysis, dPEG placement, complications, longer length of stay, and readmissions were significantly associated with worse OS. Receipt of dPEG was significantly associated with younger age, longer length of stay at first admission, and shorter interval to readmission. In patients who received dPEG, longer interval from MBO diagnosis to dPEG placement did not affect OS. Conclusion: We found that prognosis following diagnosis of MBO in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies remains poor. Our data suggest that timing of dPEG placement in MBO does not affect OS and, therefore, earlier intervention with this procedure may allow earlier and prolonged palliative relief. © Copyright 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2017.
Keywords: malignant bowel obstruction; gastrointestinal malignancy; drainage percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Journal Title: Journal of Palliative Medicine
Volume: 20
Issue: 7
ISSN: 1096-6218
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc  
Date Published: 2017-07-01
Start Page: 774
End Page: 778
Language: English
DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0465
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 28437204
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 2 August 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Barbara Egan
    15 Egan
  2. Douglas Koo
    16 Koo
  3. Tabitha Nicole Goring
    8 Goring