Experience with a Removable Self-Expanding Plastic Esophageal Stent (Polyflex® Stent) As a Continuous, Non-Permanent Dilator for Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures

Abstract

Introduction: Refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBES) are difficult to treat requiring frequent dilatations or surgery. Conceptually, while maintaining luminal patency, if a dilator is kept in place continuously for several weeks, the benefits may be longer lasting. Expandable esophageal metal stents are ideal in achieving the above but their role in treating benign esophageal strictures is limited by their lack of easy removability. A self-expanding plastic esophageal stent, Polyflex® stent (PS), can be removed and preliminary results on its use for treating RBES have been encouraging.Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of PS in the treatment of RBES.Methods: Forty patients with RBES [mean age 60 ± 15SD yrs, female 14 male 26, Anastamotic12 (fistula 4), Corrosive 8, Radiation 7, Pill induced 4, Post trauma 3 (fistula 3), Peptic 2, Others 4 (fistula 1)] were prospectively studied.