OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibilities and efficiency of Sigma covered stents for the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). METHODS: Between 2006 and 2009, 10 Sigma covered mental stents had been placed by guidance of bronchoscopy and/or fluoroscopy in 8 patients with 9 tracheoesophageal fistulas. Among them, 7 fistulas were caused by cancer and 2 by mechanical damage. Seven fistulas were located in lower part of trachea and 1 each in the middle and upper parts. RESULTS: Six Y-shaped, 2 L-shaped and 2 I-shaped stents were placed respectively in 8 patients with 9 TEFs. All the TEFs were effectively sealed by the stents except for 1 massive lower and 1 upper fistulas. One mechanical fistula was cured within 1 year of stent placement. The mean survival period of all patients was 8 months. CONCLUSION: By sealing the fistula with a Sigma covered stent, severe respiratory infection may be successfully controlled in patients with TEFs with a major improvement of quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibilities and efficiency of Sigma covered stents for the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). METHODS: Between 2006 and 2009, 10 Sigma covered mental stents had been placed by guidance of bronchoscopy and/or fluoroscopy in 8 patients with 9 tracheoesophageal fistulas. Among them, 7 fistulas were caused by cancer and 2 by mechanical damage. Seven fistulas were located in lower part of trachea and 1 each in the middle and upper parts. RESULTS: Six Y-shaped, 2 L-shaped and 2 I-shaped stents were placed respectively in 8 patients with 9 TEFs. All the TEFs were effectively sealed by the stents except for 1 massive lower and 1 upper fistulas. One mechanical fistula was cured within 1 year of stent placement. The mean survival period of all patients was 8 months. CONCLUSION: By sealing the fistula with a Sigma covered stent, severe respiratory infection may be successfully controlled in patients with TEFs with a major improvement of quality of life.