Role of fluoroscopic guided self expandable metallic stents in the management of malignant esophageal strictures

ObjectivesTo evaluate the role of fluoroscopic guided self expanding metallic stents in the management of dysphagia caused by malignant esophageal strictures.Materials and methodsDuring the period between April 2010 and October 2012, 31 patients with malignant esophageal strictures were subjected to fluoroscopic guided self expanding metallic stent application. The study included 22 males and 9 females ranging in age between 22 and 75 years old with mean age of 56.8 years. Lesions were located in the lower esophagus and gastroesophageal junction in 22 patients and middle esophagus in 9 patients.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all 31 cases (100%). The clinical success was 96.7% with 81% mean improvement in dysphagia according to dysphagia score. Only one major complication occured (3.2%) which was proximal stent migration.ConclusionFluoroscopic guided esophageal stenting is a highly effective and safe method for palliating dysphagia in patients with obstructing esophageal cancer with significant clinical improvement.