Original articleClinical endoscopyEsophageal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia and fistula recurrence after esophagectomy

BackgroundDespite advances in staging methods, surgical techniques, and adjuvant treatment, recurrent cancer after esophagectomy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveOur purpose was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) in patients with dysphagia or fistula caused by recurrent cancer after esophagectomy.DesignProspective, observational study with standardized treatment and follow-up.SettingSingle university center.PatientsIn 81 patients with recurrent cancer after previous surgical esophagectomy, 100 esophageal SEMSs were inserted for dysphagia (n = 66) or fistula formation (n = 15).InterventionsStent placement.Main Outcome MeasurementsTechnical and functional outcome, complications, and survival.ResultsThe SEMSs restored luminal patency in 65 (98%) of 66 patients and sealed malignant fistulae in 14 (93%) of 15 patients. Stent dysfunction occurred in 24 (30%) of 81 patients. They all were successfully managed by subsequent endoscopic intervention. After stent placement, a total of 16 complications were observed. Major complications occurred in 9 (11%) of 81 patients, mild complications occurred in 7 (9%) of 81 patients. The overall 30-day mortality rate after stent insertion was 25%. Progression of the disease resulted in death after a median interval of 70 days (range 1 day to 91 months).LimitationsNonrandomized design.ConclusionsSEMS placement in recurrent esophageal cancer after surgical resection offers adequate palliation by relieving dysphagia and sealing off esophageal respiratory fistulae. Therefore, in these patients who have a relatively short life expectancy, SEMS placement should be considered the treatment of choice.