Question

Endotherapy in malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

Hint:

Endotherapy provides significant benefits in palliative care for patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction, improving their quality of life and symptom management.

Answer 1

Endotherapy refers to the use of endoscopic procedures to manage and treat malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), which can occur due to cancers like gastric cancer or pancreatic cancer. This method is used to alleviate symptoms such as vomiting and inability to eat, providing palliative care to improve the patient's quality of life.
Step 1: Endoscopic Techniques:
1. Endoscopic Stenting: The placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) across the obstruction to maintain patency and allow for food passage. 2. Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): In cases where stenting is not feasible, a percutaneous gastrostomy tube may be placed to provide enteral nutrition.
Step 2: Clinical Benefits:
Endotherapy offers a minimally invasive option for managing GOO, improving patient outcomes by providing symptomatic relief and enhancing nutritional intake in advanced cancer stages.