Palliation of gastroesophageal carcinoma with endoscopic insertion of a new antireflux prosthesis.

Noninvasive insertion of an antireflux prosthesis by means of endoscopy was accomplished in 20 patients with nonoperable cardioesophageal carcinoma. There were no perforations in 23 successful intubations. The new antireflux prosthesis avoids the morbidity and mortality associated with gastroesophageal reflux, thus allowing a much improved quality of life in patients with nonresectable cancer of the esophagus or gastric cardia.