Stent-in-stent technique under fluoroscopy for removal of embedded esophageal stent

Abstract Background: Treatment of complications after esophageal stent placement and methods for removal of stents need to be improved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent-in-stent (SIS) removal of esophageal stent under fluoroscopy.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients undergoing esophageal stent removal by SIS under fluoroscopy. Under awake condition, local anesthesia, and fluoroscopic monitoring, a second esophageal stent was placed in the first esophageal stent. Four weeks later, both esophageal stents were removed by the SIS technique under fluoroscopy.Results: A total of 12 patients were treated by the SIS removal technique. In 10 patients, the first esophageal stent was easily removed by the SIS method; in the other 2 patients, stent fracture occurred, and some residual nitinol wire had to be removed endoscopically. No serious complications occurred in any patient.Conclusions: The SIS removal technique appears to be a safe and effective method for removal of embedded esophageal metallic stents.