Title: Outcomes of lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) in the management of benign colonic strictures and fistulae
Authors: Gbeminiyi Samuel, Kishan Darji, Oluwaseun Samuel, Adegboyega Olayode, Prashant Mudireddy
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i7.22
Abstract
Primary management in colonic strictures, leaks, and fistulae involve surgeries which have the risk of refractory cases, significant morbidity, and occasional mortality. It is essential to provide a more safe and efficacious approach in managing benign short segment colonic strictures, leaks, and fistulae. Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) have shown promise in the management of refractory colonic strictures and fistulae, as well as refractory cases in which surgery has failed.
Our study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of LAMS (AXIOS, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, USA) of varying diameters in the treatment of colonic strictures and fistulae. Our patient sample comprised of five patients aged 57-81, three of which had an anastomotic leak/fistula and two of which had benign anastomic strictures. Clinical success was obtained in four cases while one case had a multifactorial clinical failure.
Given these results, LAMS can be successfully utilized as a safe and effective alternative in the management of benign short segment colonic strictures and fistulae. While further prospective studies are needed to assess the outcomes of LAMS usage in the colon, the results from our study and others proves promising.
