The efficacy and efficiency of stent-assisted percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis: a pilot clinical study using historical controls

Objectives Minimally invasive interventions have become standard treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN). Despite the marginal clinical advantage of endoscopic approaches over the surgical approach shown in recent studies, percutaneous techniques still have a role when endoscopic treatment is not indicated. Stent-assisted percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy (SAPEN) is an alternative option for surgical necrosectomy, but the theoretical advantages to this procedure remain unproven. This study aimed to report the efficacy and efficiency of SAPEN in patients with IPN. Methods This is a retrospective, historically-controlled, cohort study. All IPN patients admitted to our center from January 2015 to December 2018 were screened for eligibility. Patients admitted between January 2015 and October 2017 were historical controls, and patients admitted thereafter were treated with additional self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). The primary endpoint was a composite of major complications and/or death. Other outcomes, including individual components of the primary endpoint, new-onset sepsis, length of ICU and hospital stay, and pancreatic fistula, were also compared. Results There were 73 historical-control patients and 37 patients who had SAPEN included for analysis. The introduction of the SAPEN procedure failed to reduce the incidence of the primary endpoint (35 versus 52%, P = 0.095). However, significantly shorter hospital stay (38 versus 48 days, P = 0.035) and lower incidence of new-onset sepsis were observed in the SAPEN group (35 versus 56%, P = 0.037). Conclusion The application of SEMS in percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy procedures shortened hospital stay, decreased new-onset sepsis, and allowed earlier necrosectomy.