BACKGROUND: Esophageal self-expandable stents (SESs) effectively treat strictures and leaks but may be complicated by a stent-associated esophagorespiratory fistula (SERF). Little is known about SERFs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, morbidity, mortality, and risk factors for SERF. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Single referral center. PATIENTS: All adults undergoing esophageal SES placement during a 10-year period. INTERVENTION: Stent placement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Occurrence of SERF, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 16 of 397 (4.0%) patients developed SERF at a median of 5 months after stent placement (range 0.4-53 months) including 6 of 94 (6%), 10 of 71 (14%), and 0 of 232 (0%) of those with lesions in the proximal, middle, and distal esophagus, respectively (overall P < .001). SERF occurred in 10% of those with proximal and mid-esophageal lesions, including 14% with benign strictures, 9% with malignant strictures, and none with other indications for SES placement (P = .27). The risk was highest (18%) in patients with benign anastomotic strictures. Risk factors for development of SERF included a higher Charlson comorbidity index score (odds ratio [OR] 1.47 for every 1-point increase; P = .04) and history of radiation therapy (OR 9.41; P = .03). Morbidity associated with SERF included need for lifelong feeding tubes in 11 of 22 (50%) and/or tracheostomy or mechanical ventilation in 5 of 22 (23%). Median survival after diagnosis was 4.5 months (range 0.35-67), and 7 patients survived less than 30 days. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, limited statistical power. CONCLUSION: SERF is a morbid complication of SES placement for strictures of the proximal and mid-esophagus. The dominant risk factors for development of SERF are prior radiation therapy and comorbidity score.
BACKGROUND: Esophageal self-expandable stents (SESs) effectively treat strictures and leaks but may be complicated by a stent-associated esophagorespiratory fistula (SERF). Little is known about SERFs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, morbidity, mortality, and risk factors for SERF. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Single referral center. PATIENTS: All adults undergoing esophageal SES placement during a 10-year period. INTERVENTION: Stent placement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Occurrence of SERF, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 16 of 397 (4.0%) patients developed SERF at a median of 5 months after stent placement (range 0.4-53 months) including 6 of 94 (6%), 10 of 71 (14%), and 0 of 232 (0%) of those with lesions in the proximal, middle, and distal esophagus, respectively (overall P < .001). SERF occurred in 10% of those with proximal and mid-esophageal lesions, including 14% with benign strictures, 9% with malignant strictures, and none with other indications for SES placement (P = .27). The risk was highest (18%) in patients with benign anastomotic strictures. Risk factors for development of SERF included a higher Charlson comorbidity index score (odds ratio [OR] 1.47 for every 1-point increase; P = .04) and history of radiation therapy (OR 9.41; P = .03). Morbidity associated with SERF included need for lifelong feeding tubes in 11 of 22 (50%) and/or tracheostomy or mechanical ventilation in 5 of 22 (23%). Median survival after diagnosis was 4.5 months (range 0.35-67), and 7 patients survived less than 30 days. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, limited statistical power. CONCLUSION: SERF is a morbid complication of SES placement for strictures of the proximal and mid-esophagus. The dominant risk factors for development of SERF are prior radiation therapy and comorbidity score.
Authors: Ivana Dzeletovic; David E Fleischer; Michael D Crowell; Rahul Pannala; Lucinda A Harris; Francisco C Ramirez; George E Burdick; Lauri A Rentz; Robert V Spratley; Susan D Helling; Jeffrey A Alexander Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2013-08-08 Impact factor: 3.199