Klaus Radecke1, Guido Gerken, Ulrich Treichel. 1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisberg-Essen, Essen, Germany. klaus.radecke@uni-essen.de <klaus.radecke@uni-essen.de>
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In this study, we describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, covered, plastic esophageal stent (SEPS). The majority of placements were difficult to treat situations, i.e., proximal or extremely proximal stent release or emergency cases in the intensive care unit. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were treated by insertion of a SEPS by endoscopic or radiologic guidance for the following: malignant stenosis (n = 22), malignant fistula (n = 8), benign stenosis after treatment for malignant disease (n = 6), benign fistula (n = 2), and perforation or leakage after surgery of the esophagus (n = 5). RESULTS: Stent placement was technically feasible in all patients. In patients with a stenosis, esophageal passage was achieved in 92.8%. Fistulas, perforations, and leakages were sealed in 73.3%. In 6 patients (15.4%), the stent was electively removed because of the completion of the therapy. Complications included respiratory insufficiency, mediastinal emphysema, and tracheal impression in one patient each; a new fistula in two patients; bleeding in 3 patients; stent-induced ulcers in two patients; and stent migration in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutical success and the complication rate after SEPS placement are similar to that reported for self-expanding metal stents. In addition, the SEPS can be readily removed, and the costs are significantly lower.
BACKGROUND: In this study, we describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, covered, plastic esophageal stent (SEPS). The majority of placements were difficult to treat situations, i.e., proximal or extremely proximal stent release or emergency cases in the intensive care unit. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were treated by insertion of a SEPS by endoscopic or radiologic guidance for the following: malignant stenosis (n = 22), malignant fistula (n = 8), benign stenosis after treatment for malignant disease (n = 6), benign fistula (n = 2), and perforation or leakage after surgery of the esophagus (n = 5). RESULTS: Stent placement was technically feasible in all patients. In patients with a stenosis, esophageal passage was achieved in 92.8%. Fistulas, perforations, and leakages were sealed in 73.3%. In 6 patients (15.4%), the stent was electively removed because of the completion of the therapy. Complications included respiratory insufficiency, mediastinal emphysema, and tracheal impression in one patient each; a new fistula in two patients; bleeding in 3 patients; stent-induced ulcers in two patients; and stent migration in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutical success and the complication rate after SEPS placement are similar to that reported for self-expanding metal stents. In addition, the SEPS can be readily removed, and the costs are significantly lower.