Stents for uncommon malignant and benign esophageal indications (extrinsic compression, esophagorespiratory fistulas, and proximal esophageal obstruction)

Esophageal stents are approved for palliation of malignant esophageal disease. Stents are more commonly used for relief of dysphagia caused by esophageal cancer (intrinsic obstruction) located in the mid or distal esophagus. Less common indications for esophageal stent placement for malignant disease include extrinsic compression from intrathoracic masses and lymphadenopathy, esophagorespiratory fistulas, and high proximal esophageal obstruction. More recently, self-expandable stents have been placed for benign esophageal conditions, with indications similar to those for malignant disease; currently only a plastic stent has Food and Drug Administration approval for these indications. This review outlines the techniques and outcomes of esophageal stent placement for uncommon indications and/or difficult lesion location related to both malignant and benign esophageal diseases.