Stents for benign esophageal strictures

Approximately 10% of benign esophageal strictures appear to be refractory to standard dilation therapy. Temporary stent placement is an alternative therapeutic option for these cases. However, only one-third of patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures remain dysphagia free after self-expanding stent placement. Stent migration and hyperplastic tissue reaction limit the efficacy of this type of treatment. Novel stents should be designed to overcome these problems.