Palliative Percutaneous Gastrostomy Decompression Methods for Small-Bowel Obstruction in Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancer.

BACKGROUND

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common and distressing complication in advanced gastrointestinal cancers, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. When conservative management fails, palliative decompression is essential to relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Venting gastrostomy is the most established method; however, anatomical challenges may necessitate alternative percutaneous approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of percutaneous gastrostomy techniques for palliative gastrointestinal decompression, including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), interdisciplinary imaging-guided percutaneous or transhepatic gastrostomy, and percutaneous transesophageal gastrostomy (PTEG).

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to evaluate the indications, techniques, efficacy, and complications associated with these procedures. The role of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating radiologic, endoscopic, and palliative care expertise, was also explored.

RESULTS

PEG remains the gold standard for venting gastrostomy, achieving symptom relief in up to 92% of cases, with a low complication rate. However, interdisciplinary imaging-guided percutaneous or transhepatic gastrostomy offers a viable alternative for patients with surgically altered anatomy or difficult percutaneous access. PTEG, a newer technique, has demonstrated high technical success and symptom improvement, particularly in patients with extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis or massive ascites, where transabdominal approaches are not feasible.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative percutaneous decompression provides effective symptom relief in advanced gastrointestinal cancer. The choice of technique should be individualized based on patient anatomy, clinical condition, and resource availability. A multidisciplinary approach remains crucial in tailoring decompression strategies to improve the quality of life in end-stage malignancies.