Journal of palliative medicine
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Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) frequently defines the trajectory of end-stage ovarian cancer and results in severe physical and psychological distress in patients and their caregivers. Venting gastrostomy (VG) is an alternative to both prolonged medical therapy with nasogastric intubation and intestinal bypass/diversion for refractory MBO. Limited published data from large academic research centers support use of VG in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and MBO. ⋯ Five of six patients were managed with VG. Our experience suggests that VG may be beneficial in controlling nausea and vomiting in ovarian cancer patients with MBO and that VG placement with concurrent evacuation of large-volume ascites was associated with minimal complications. Future prospective studies to evaluate the benefits of VG are warranted.