Bird nest deformity of a self-expanding esophageal stent and a technique of removal

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma make up 95% of all esophageal malignancies. 1 Klimstra DS Pathological prognostic factors in esophageal carcinoma. Semin Oncol. 1994; 21: 425-430 PubMed Google Scholar Adenocarcinoma now comprises 50% of newly diagnosed esophageal cancers. 2 Blott WJ Devesa SS Fraumeni Jr, JF Continuing climb in rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma: an update [letter]. JAMA. 1993; 270: 1320 PubMed Google Scholar Palliative therapy options include endoscopic laser photoablation, photodynamic therapy, esophageal dilation, bipolar electrocoagulation and esophageal endoprosthesis insertion. Ease of placement makes the self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) a valuable palliative option for patients with obstructing esophageal tumors. A multitude of devices are now available. This is a case report of a complication encountered with the placement of one such device.