Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided freestyle rendezvous recanalization of a complete postoperative rectosigmoid anastomotic obstruction with a lumen-apposing metal stent

A 44-year-old woman with a large symptomatic uterine leiomyoma underwent radical pelvic mass resection, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and modified pelvic exenteration with rectosigmoid resection and creation of a diverting ileostomy. A sigmoidoscopy performed 2 months later followed by a water-soluble contrast enema showed complete obstruction of the rectosigmoid anastomosis. An endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided recanalization of the obstruction was planned.

A pediatric colonoscope was advanced through the ileostomy towards the sigmoid colon. Water was injected into the proximal side of obstruction to provide acoustic interface. A linear echoendoscope was then advanced through the rectum ([Fig. 1]). The area of proximal colon was identified endoscopically by transillumination ([Fig. 2]) and endosonographically by detecting the fluid-filled lumen and the pediatric colonoscope. Under EUS guidance, the proximal colon was punctured with a cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS; Axios, 15-mm diameter; Boston Scientific, Galway, Ireland). The proximal flange of the stent was deployed in the proximal colon and the distal flange was deployed in the rectal stump. The stent was then dilated with a controlled radial expansion balloon up to 15 mm ([Fig. 3 a, b]); [Video 1]). The procedure was completed with no complications, and the patient was discharged home on the same day.

Fig. 1 Schematic view showing the pediatric colonoscope and linear echoendoscope placed in the colon via the ileostomy and the rectum, respectively, and advanced towards the rectosigmoid obstruction.

Fig. 2 Endoscopic view showing transillumination from the pediatric colonoscope (arrow).

Fig. 3 Endoscopic views showing: a the lumen-apposing metal stent after dilation; b the tip of the pediatric colonoscope visible through the dilated stent; c the patent anastomosis following stent removal.

Video 1 A rendezvous approach is used to recanalize a postoperative rectosigmoid anastomotic obstruction with a lumen-apposing metal stent.

At the 1 month follow-up, sigmoidoscopy was performed and the stent was found to have migrated distally. The anastomosis was patent, the stent was removed ([Fig. 3 c]), and, 1 day later, ileostomy reversal was successfully performed. At her 10-month follow-up, the patient continued to report normal bowel movements with no residual symptoms.

In conclusion, EUS-guided recanalization of complete colorectal obstruction using a LAMS placed via the rendezvous technique was feasible and effective. In addition, freestyle deployment of a LAMS with a cautery tip facilitated an efficient procedure.

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Competing interests

Dr. Mouen A. Khashab is a consultant for Boston Scientific. Dr. Kumbhari is a consultant for Boston Scientific and Apollo Endosurgery. All other authors disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this publication.