A retrospective study of 512 malignant esophageal strictures treated with covered self-expanding metal stent

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of covered self-expanding metal stent in the treatment of malignant esophageal stricture.Methods The clinical data of 512 patients accepted stent were retrospectively analyzed,which included patients' profiles,relief of dysphagia,incidence of complications and survival period.The data were analyzed by t test.Results A total of 596 stents were placed in 512 patients.There was significant difference in mean dysphagia score between before and after stent placement (grade 3.4±0.6 vs grade 1.1±0.8,t=54.09,P＜0.01).After the placement,the overall incidence of complications was 14.5％ (74/512),of which there were 21 cases of severe retrosternal pain (4.1％),16 cases of bleeding (3.1 ％),29 cases of stent displacement (5.7％),six cases of food impaction (1.2％),two cases of fistula without completely blocked (0.4％).The survival period of 238 patients with complete follow-up ranged from 30 to 1445 days,the mean time was 218.9 days.Conclusion Endoscopic covered self-expanding metal stent placement may effectively relieve dysphagia symptoms in patients with malignant esophageal stricture. Key words: Stents;  Esophageal neoplasms;  Esophageal stenosis;  Palliative care;  Deglutition disorders