Covered, expandable esophageal metallic stent tubes: Experiences in 119 patients

PURPOSE: To study fluoroscopic placement of covered expandable stent tubes in patients with esophagogastric strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under fluoroscopic guidance, 132 stent tubes were placed in 116 patients with malignant neoplasms; four, in three patients with benign lesions. All patients had aphagia or dysphagia to soft food or liquid. RESULTS: After placement (successful in 100% of cases), 93 (78%) of the patients could ingest solid food; 24 (20%), soft food. Complications in the 119 patients included blockage in 13, stent tube migration in 12, gastroesophageal reflux in nine, severe pain in nine, and delayed massive bleeding in four. Most major complications were managed by means of a balloon catheter, a second stent tube, or analgesics. One hundred four patients died 2-80 weeks after stent placement. CONCLUSION: Treatment with placement of a covered expandable stent tube is effective in most patients with dysphagia due to malignant esophogastric strictures and is less effective in patients with benign strictures.