Clinical application of the covered self-expanding stent in the treatment of malignant esophageal stricture

Objective To investigate the value of covered self expending metallic stent in the treatment of malignant esophageal stricture. Methods Thirty two patients with dysphagia due to malignant esophageal obstructions, esophagobronchial and anastomotic stenoses were undergone inserting self expending metallic stents. The procedure was done under fluoroscopic guidance. Sixteen patients underwent radiotherapy and (or) chemotherap after the procedure. All patients underwent esophagography before and after the stent placement, and were followed up to death. Results Thirty two stents were placed in 32 patients without any technical failures, and dysphagia was reduced considerably after stent placement. The recurrence of stenosis ( 6.3% vs 54.5% , P 0.05 ), survival time ( 7.2 ± 6.1 m vs 2.3 ± 1.4 m, P 0.05 ), were different significantly between the patients with and without radiotherapy and (or) themotherapy. Conclusions Self expending stent is safe, effective, and with less complication. The procedure should be operated carefully and accompanied with radiotherapy and (or) themotheraphy.