Stents utilized for pyloric, duodenal, or anastomotic malignant strictures are generally uncovered and are not retrievable. Taewoong Medical created a through-the-scope stent that is fully covered, retrievable, and can be placed beyond the esophagus for benign gastroduodenal strictures as an alternative to surgical approaches. The aim of this paper is to examine the safety and efficacy of short-term, fully covered, self-expanding metal stents (FC-SEMS) in refractory benign strictures of the pylorus, duodenum, and gastrojejunal anastomosis. This multicenter case series was conducted at four hospitals from January 2018 through December 2020. Patients presenting with benign strictures of the pylorus, duodenum, or gastrojejunal anastomosis were entered into the study. A therapeutic channel scope was utilized to place FC-SEMS to open strictures. The stents were removed a few weeks later. A four-point gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) was used to record improvement. Statistically significant improvement in GOOSS was found between the pre-procedure and the four-week follow-up. Fully covered, retrievable metal stents appear safe and effective in the management of refractory benign pyloric, duodenal, and anastomotic strictures. This may provide a less invasive option in the management of these strictures compared to surgery.

Background: Nissen Fundoplication (NF) and Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) are established procedures for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the surgically induced plication can loosen over time. This multicenter study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Antireflux Mucosectomy (ARMS) and Resection and Plication (RAP) in symptomatic patients with prior NF or TIF that has become loose. Patients and methods: Eighteen patients were enrolled in the study. Ten had prior TIF, while eight had prior NF. Half of these patients had a Hill Grade 3 Valve while the other half had a Hill Grade 2 valve. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed in six patients, while endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed in twelve patients. A follow-up endoscopy was performed at 4–12 weeks. Results: At follow-up, 11 patients had a Hill Grade 1 valve, and seven patients had a Hill Grade 2 valve. All patients had improvement in symptoms for up to 32 months. Conclusions: In this pilot study, ARMS/RAP appears to be an effective option in patients who had prior NF or TIF with recurrent GERD symptoms.