Esophageal strictures, tumors, and fistulae: stents for primary esophageal cancer

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have become the most used endoprostheses for palliation of dysphagia in obstructive malignancies of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction. They allow immediate relief from dysphagia and resumption of an almost normal diet within a short period. However, SEMS are associated with early and late complications and procedure-related death has been reported. This article reviews currently available SEMS, considerations for choosing SEMS type, indications for SEMS, techniques for SEMS placement, efficacy data, and complications.