Covered self‐expandable metallic stent placement for tumor bleeding from duodenal invasion in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer often present with duodenal bleeding, a potentially life‐threatening complication. In our case series of six unresectable pancreatic cancer patients with tumor bleeding, we explored the efficacy and safety of placement of a covered self‐expandable metallic stent in the duodenum as a treatment option; we achieved a hemostasis rate of 67% (4/6), with a rebleeding rate of 50% (2/4). No complications occurred with stent placement, except for food impaction in one patient. Covered self‐expandable metallic stent placement is a moderately effective treatment option for tumor bleeding in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Although its hemostatic efficacy is limited, covered self‐expandable metallic stent placement is safe and beneficial in some cases, warranting consideration in this disease setting with limited treatment options.