The use of small-caliber, covered, self-expandable metal stents for palliation of severe malignant dysphagia.

Abstract

134 Background: Self-expandable covered metal stents are an important component of palliative care for malignant dysphagia; however significant complication rates have been associated with large diameter stents. We hypothesized that small-caliber, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (sccSEMS) would prove adequate palliation of dysphagia in the absence of major complications. Methods: Prospective observational study of 17 patients presenting with severe malignant dysphagia between 12/1/08 and 7/30/10. 31 sccSEMS with internal diameters ranging from 8 mm to 16 mm were placed in 17 patients with pre-stent luminal diameters of < 8 mm (n = 13) or 8-10 mm (n = 4). 7 tracheobronchial stents (internal diameter 14–16 mm), 2 biliary stents (internal diameter 8–10 mm), and 22 specially constructed esophageal stents (internal diameter 12–16 mm) were placed. All stents were placed under direct endoscopic vision without fluoroscopic support. Dysphagia scores, migration rates, and complications were identified through review of endoscopy reports, outpatient clinical encounters, and 24-hour post-procedure phone surveys. Anticipated stent migration was defined as events which occurred during chemoradiation. Unanticipated stent migration was defined as events which occurred in the absence of treatment. Results: The post-stent median dysphagia score improved (decreased) from 3 to 2 (p = 0.0003). The overall median duration of first stent placement was 64 days, IQR 32 – 110 days. The overall migration rate was 35.5% (11/31). The anticipated migration rate was 60% (9/15); the unanticipated migration rate was 18.2% (2/11) (p = 0.051). All 11 of the migrated stents were retrieved endoscopically without complication. 9.7% (3/31) of patients reported self-limited sore throat or chest pain within 24-hours of stent placement. All 3 patients were managed conservatively without need for narcotic analgesics, hospitalization, or repeat endoscopy. No other complications occurred. Conclusions: The direct endoscopic placement of sccSEMS in patients presenting with severe malignant dysphagia significantly improved dysphagia scores, provided excellent durability, and resulted in no major complications. No significant financial relationships to disclose.