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EUS-guided gastroenterostomy versus enteral stent placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: A reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis with meta-regression

In brief

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy reduces stent failure by about 40% in malignant obstruction

In a meta-analysis of ten studies covering 1,359 patients, EUS-guided gastroenterostomy lowered the risk of stent-related failure by roughly 43% compared with duodenal stenting, while achieving a modestly higher clinical success rate. Technical success was slightly lower, but overall survival, hospital stay length, and adverse-event rates were similar, making EUS-GE a durable option in skilled centers.

Journal
Endoscopic ultrasound (Q1)
Published
7 July 2026
Study design
Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
Evidence level
Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
Authors
Mohammad Al Hayek, Marco Spadaccini, Ammar Fahaid, Mouen Khashab, Alberto Larghi, Antonio Facciorusso, et al.
PMID
42499521
DOI
10.1097/eus.0000000000000205

Why clinicians should know about it

Abstract

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction is a frequent complication of advanced pancreatic and gastric antral malignancies requiring palliative intervention. EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) has emerged as an alternative to enteral stent placement (ESP), but comparative evidence remains limited. We conducted a pairwise and reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing EUS-GE with duodenal stent placement in adults with malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Systematic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were performed from inception through November 15, 2025. Stent-related failure was the primary outcome and was analyzed as a time-to-event endpoint using reconstructed individual patient data from published Kaplan-Meier curves. Secondary outcomes included technical success, clinical success, overall survival, length of hospital stay, and adverse events. Random-effects models were applied using hazard ratios and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Ten studies comprising 1359 patients were included. EUS-GE was associated with a significantly lower rate of stent-related failure compared with duodenal stenting (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45-0.73; P < 0.001). Technical success was slightly lower with EUS-GE (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-1.00; P = 0.028), whereas clinical success was significantly higher than ESP (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.19; P < 0.001). Overall survival, length of hospital stay, and rates of adverse events were comparable between groups. EUS-GE was associated with lower stent-related failure rates and higher clinical success compared with enteral stenting, with similar survival and safety outcomes. Despite slightly lower technical success rates, EUS-GE remains a durable palliative option in experienced centers, while ESP remains appropriate for short-term palliation.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.

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For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.