Malignant Esophageal Strictures Research Articles

How to design the optimal self-expandable oesophageal metallic stents: 22 years of experience in 645 patients with malignant strictures

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for malignant oesophageal strictures and their relationship with stent designs. Seven generations of SEMS were used to treat 645 consecutive patients with oesophageal strictures. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictive factors associated with complications. Stent placement was technically successful in 641 of 645 patients (99.4%). The clinical success rate was 95.5%. There were 260 (40.3%) complications after stent placement. Due to complications, 68 stents were removed; 66 of 68 stents (97.1%) were removed successfully. Stainless steel (SS) stents (odds ratio [OR] 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.10, 8.32) and radiation therapy (RT) before stent placement (OR 4.23; CI 2.02, 8.83) were significantly associated with severe pain. Flared ends (OR 9.63; CI 3.38, 27.43), stricture length <6 cm (OR 2.01; CI 1.13, 3.60), and a stent diameter <18 mm (OR 3.00; CI 1.32, 6.84) were predictive factors of stent migration. Polyurethane membranes were associated with more frequent tumour ingrowth than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes (P = 0.002). Despite the relatively high complication rate, retrievable self-expandable PTFE-covered nitinol stents equipped with a head and a tail appeared to be an effective treatment for malignant oesophageal strictures.

Adverse events of upper GI endoscopy

Adverse events of upper GI endoscopy

A retrospective study of 512 malignant esophageal strictures treated with covered self-expanding metal stent

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of covered self-expanding metal stent in the treatment of malignant esophageal stricture.Methods The clinical data of 512 patients accepted stent were retrospectively analyzed,which included patients' profiles,relief of dysphagia,incidence of complications and survival period.The data were analyzed by t test.Results A total of 596 stents were placed in 512 patients.There was significant difference in mean dysphagia score between before and after stent placement (grade 3.4±0.6 vs grade 1.1±0.8,t=54.09,P＜0.01).After the placement,the overall incidence of complications was 14.5％ (74/512),of which there were 21 cases of severe retrosternal pain (4.1％),16 cases of bleeding (3.1 ％),29 cases of stent displacement (5.7％),six cases of food impaction (1.2％),two cases of fistula without completely blocked (0.4％).The survival period of 238 patients with complete follow-up ranged from 30 to 1445 days,the mean time was 218.9 days.Conclusion Endoscopic covered self-expanding metal stent placement may effectively relieve dysphagia symptoms in patients with malignant esophageal stricture. Key words: Stents; Esophageal neoplasms; Esophageal stenosis; Palliative care; Deglutition disorders

PWE-036 What is the survival of patients with oesophageal cancer following palliative stenting?

IntroductionOesophageal cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Unfortunately the majority of patients with oesophageal carcinoma are incurable at diagnosis. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMs) are effective palliation...

Palliative radiotherapy for patients with tracheobronchial and esophageal compression due to intrathoracic malignant tumors

To evaluate palliative outcomes of patients with extrinsic malignant tracheobronchial or esophageal stenosis treated with radiation. Mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy surrounding the tracheobronchi or esophagus may cause compression, presenting as dyspnea and dysphagia respectively. Treatment is important for symptom relief and maintaining patients' quality of life. Dyspnea and dysphagia were assessed using the Hugh-Jones score and a modified dysphagia scale, respectively. A total of 13 patients (median age, 60 years) with dyspnea received palliative radiotherapy. The primary organs were lung (n = 6), colorectum (n = 5), hypopharynx (n = 1) and uterine cervix (n = 1). Three patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median time-adjusted biological effective dose (BED) was 33.0 Gy(10) . Ten patients (median age, 61) with dysphagia received palliative radiotherapy. The primary organs were lung (n = 7), esophagus (n = 2) and hypopharynx (n = 1). Three patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median time-adjusted BED was 32.1 Gy(10) . Palliation of dyspnea and dysphagia occurred in seven (54%) and five (50%) patients, respectively. Patients treated with doses over 35 Gy(10) had greater score improvements than those treated with less than 35 Gy(10) in both groups. Patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy had greater score improvements than those treated with radiotherapy alone. Dyspnea patients with pretreatment scores of 2 (n = 5) had greater score improvements than those with scores of 3 or more (n = 8). External beam radiotherapy should be considered for patients with tracheobronchial or esophageal stenosis before their symptoms worsen. The prescription dose should be over 35 Gy(10) .

Effective palliation of malignant esophageal strictures

Effective palliation of malignant esophageal strictures

Tu1594 Technical Aspects of Endoscopic Removal of Stents Placed for Benign Esophageal Diseases

Tu1594 Technical Aspects of Endoscopic Removal of Stents Placed for Benign Esophageal Diseases

The use of biodegradable (SX-ELLA) oesophageal stents to treat dysphagia due to benign and malignant oesophageal disease

Biodegradable (BD) oesophageal stents have been available commercially only since 2008 and previous published research is limited. Our aim was to review the use of BD stents to treat dysphagia in benign or malignant oesophageal strictures. Patients were identified from a prospective interventional radiological database. BD stents were inserted radiologically under fluoroscopic control. Between July 2008 and February 2011, 25 attempts at placing SX-ELLA biodegradable oesophageal stents were made in 17 males and five females, with a median age of 69 (range = 54-80) years. Two patients required more than one BD stent. Indications were benign strictures (n = 7) and oesophageal cancer (n = 17). One attempt was unsuccessful for a technical success rate of 96% with no immediate complications. Clinical success rate was 76%. Median dysphagia score before stent insertion was 3 (range = 2-4) compared to 2 (range = 0-3) after stent insertion (p = 0.0001). BD stents provide good dysphagia relief for the life time of the stent. They may help avoid the use of feeding tubes in patients having radical chemoradiotherapy or awaiting oesophagectomy. They do not require removal or interfere with radiotherapy planning via imaging. However, the reintervention rate is high after the stent dissolves.

Airway Complications After Covered Stent Placement for Malignant Esophageal Stricture: Special Reference to Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of airway complications and survival with special reference to radiation therapy in the care of patients undergoing covered stent placement for malignant esophageal strictures. A total of 208 patients who underwent stent placement with or without palliative radiation therapy for inoperable esophageal cancer were included. The endpoints were frequency, type, and management of airway complications; association between occurrence of airway complications and radiation therapy history; and differences in stent-to-complication interval and survival period after esophageal stenting between patients who underwent radiation therapy before and those who underwent radiation therapy after stent placement. Airway complications occurred in 23 patients (11.1%): 18 (78.3%) had esophagorespiratory fistula, three (13.0%) had airway narrowing, and two (8.7%) had both complications. The frequency of airway complications was significantly greater among patients who underwent RT than those who did not (p = 0.005) but was not significantly different between the radiation before stenting and radiation after stenting groups (p = 0.158). The median stent-to-complication interval and survival period after esophageal stenting were significantly shorter in the radiation before stenting group than in the radiation after stenting group (p = 0.002, p = 0.001). Esophagorespiratory fistula is much more common than airway narrowing as an airway complication. The rate of complications increases significantly in association with radiation therapy among patients with malignant esophageal stricture. Clinicians need to be aware of earlier airway complications and poorer prognosis among patients who undergo radiation therapy before placement of an esophageal stent than in patients who undergo radiation after stent placement.

Endoscopic Treatment of Benign and Malignant Strictures of the Cervical Esophagus and Hypopharynx

We evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic techniques employed in the management of cervical esophageal and hypopharyngeal strictures. A series of 45 patients with cervical esophageal (35) and/or hypopharyngeal strictures (10) were included. Twenty-five patients (55.6%) with neoplastic strictures were treated for palliation alone. The stenosis was related to radiotherapy in 11 patients (24.4%) and to postsurgical complications in 9 (20%). A group of 23 patients was treated with dilation alone (group 1). A second group included 22 patients treated with insertion of a self-expandable stent after failure of dilation treatment (group 2). The swallowing test data, clinical notes, and surgical reports were reviewed. All of the patients showed some degree of relief of dysphagia. In group 1, 19 of the 23 patients required multiple dilation treatments to maintain normal deglutition. In group 2, 7 of the 22 patients recovered regular oral feeding after stent placement, 10 patients reported pain and foreign body sensation, 2 patients reported pain so severe that stent removal was required, and 3 patients experienced stent migration. All but 3 of the 25 patients with inoperable tumors died during follow-up, but no patients with benign stenosis died. The two groups showed comparable functional results. Dilation often requires multiple procedures, but is usually well tolerated. Placement of self-expandable stents is effective, but is generally less well tolerated.

Through-the-scope Polyethylene Balloon Dilations in Benign Corrosive Esophageal Stricture Complicated with Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation

Esophageal dilation is a non-surgical management for anatomic and functional abnormalities causing both benign and malignant esophageal stricture. The basic goals of stricture dilation include safe and efficacious lumenal enlargement plus prevention of restenosis. These could be achieved using through- the-scope (TTS) balloon dilations, ranged in diameter of 4 to 40 mm, they will allow dilation of previously inaccessible strictures in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon. There are 5,000–15,000 cases of stricture due to ingestion of corrosive substances in United States every year. The following case would demonstrate a 28-year-old male with depressive disorder who attempted a suicide by ingesting corrosive substances two months before admission. Subsequently he started having difficulty in swallowing even soft foods. The complaint was gradually increasing until a month before admission he went through endoscopic examination and a corrosive esophageal stricture found. Hence after, he underwent dilation using Savary bouginage with fluoroscopy and through-the-scope (TTS) balloon dilations. The patient underwent a series of dilation treatment and demonstrated vigorous improvement. Problems raised as the patient was complicated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation due to traumatic injury after ingesting corrosive substances. The consideration in management of esophageal stricture with complications will be discussed further in this article. Keywords: esophageal stricture, corrosive substances, dysphagia, temporomandibular joint dislocation, through-the-scope polyethylene balloon dilation

Evaluation of the Incidence of Esophageal Complications Associated With Balloon Dilation and Their Management in Patients With Malignant Esophageal Strictures

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of esophageal complications associated with balloon dilation and their management in patients with malignant esophageal strictures. Fluoroscopically guided esophageal balloon dilation was performed in 89 patients with malignant esophageal strictures during a period of 15 years. Inclusion criteria were patients with unresected esophageal or gastric carcinoma showing short-segment stricture (≤4 cm) at the esophagogastric junction; patients who had previously received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both to manage malignant strictures; or patients who were scheduled for chemotherapy or radiation therapy to manage malignant strictures. Of these patients, 72 had esophageal cancer and 17 had stomach cancer. Esophageal rupture was categorized as intramural, transmural, or transmural with mediastinal leakage. A total of 120 procedures were performed, with each patient undergoing one to four procedures. Esophageal rupture occurred in 13 patients (15%): eight with intramural rupture, four with transmural rupture, and one with transmural rupture with mediastinal leakage. Improvements in dysphagia score were observed in 76 of 89 patients (85%) after balloon dilation. All esophageal ruptures were detected immediately after the procedure. Intramural and transmural ruptures were treated conservatively, whereas transmural rupture with mediastinal leakage was treated by temporary stent placement. The overall prevalence of esophageal rupture was 15%. All intramural and transmural ruptures were successfully managed conservatively, whereas transmural rupture with mediastinal leakage was treated by temporary stent placement. We found no relationship between rupture incidence and balloon diameter.

Early migration of fully covered double-layered metallic stents for post-gastric bypass anastomotic strictures

INTRODUCTIONLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is well recognized for its efficiency in morbidly obese patients. Anastomotic strictures present in 5–15% of cases and have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Endoscopic balloon dilation is the recommended treatment but management of refractory cases is challenging. PRESENTATION OF CASETwo patients with anastomotic stenoses refractory to dilations were treated with fully covered esophageal stents. Both cases presented early stent migration. The first patient finally underwent surgical revision of the anastomosis. For the second patient, a double-layered stent was installed after the first incident. After the migration of this second stent, three sessions of intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide were performed. Both patients were free of obstructive symptoms at a follow-up of 9 months. DISCUSSIONTreatment of post-gastric bypass strictures with stents is based on years of successful experience with endoscopic stenting of malignant esophageal strictures, gastric outlet obstruction in addition to anastomotic stenoses after esophageal cancer surgery. The actual prosthesis are however inadequate for the particularities of the LRYGB anastomosis with a high migration rate. Intralesional corticosteroid injection therapy has been reported to be beneficial in the management of refractory benign esophageal strictures and seems to have prevented recurrence of the stenosis in this post-LRYGB. CONCLUSIONStents are aimed at preventing a complex surgical reintervention but are not yet specifically designed for that indication. Local infiltration of corticosteroids at the time of dilation may prevent recurrence of the anastomotic stricture.

A comparative study between fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance in palliative esophageal stent placement

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are the treatment of choice for incurable obstructive malignant esophageal strictures. Although the placement of SEMS is usually performed with fluoroscopic control (FC), recently several authors have shown the feasibility of placing SEMS under endoscopic control alone (EC). However, studies comparing the two techniques are lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the feasibility and safety of SEMS insertion under fluoroscopic control and endoscopic control. The study was performed through the retrospective analysis of patients who underwent SEMS insertion for malignant dysphagia between January 2005 and January 2010. Data concerning early and late complications and survival were retrieved. Early complications were defined as pain, vomiting, bleeding, malposition/migration, perforation, and/or dysphagia occurring until 30 days of SEMS insertion; and late complications as tumor ingrowth and overgrowth, migration, hemorrhage, fistulae, food impaction, and/or esophagitis occurring after 30 days. We placed 126 SEMS of which 87% for esophageal stricture, 8% for esophagus-respiratory fistula, and 5% for extrinsic compression. The mean age of the patients was 62 years, and 93 were male. SEMS insertion was performed with FC in 66 patients and EC in 60. Early complications occurred in 34 patients (52%) in the FC group and 28 (47%) in the EC group (P=0.71), including: pain in 22 patients of the FC group and 15 of the EC group (P=0.31); vomiting in 15 of the FC group and nine of the EC group (P=0.27); malposition/migration in three of the FC group and four of the EC group (P=0.60); hemorrhage in one of the FC group and two of the EC group (P=0.27); and dysphagia in two of the FC group and three of the EC group (P=0.57). Late complications occurred in 20 patients (30%) in the FC group and 22 (37%) in the EC group (P=0.44), including: tumor in/overgrowth in 13 patients of the FC group and 10 of the EC group (P=0.66); prostheses migration in five of the FC group and eight of the EC group (P=0.28); hemorrhage in two of the FC group and two of the EC group (P=0.54); appearance of esophageal fistulae in seven of the FC group and four of the EC group (P=0.43); food impaction in nine of the FC group and eight of the EC group (P=0.96); esophagitis in 12 of the FC group and 15 of the EC group (P=0.35). Median survival was 107 days (95% confidence interval [CI]=6-369 days) with no difference between the two groups. There were no statistical significant differences in the incidence of complications and in survival between patients undergoing SEMS placement under fluoroscopic control or endoscopic control.

Esophageal Stent Migration Into Trachea

We reported a case of esophageal cancer in which an esophageal stent was placed for treatment of a malignant stricture. A tracheoesophageal fistula and stent migration into the trachea were noted on post-procedure day 11 before the placement of a feeding gastrostomy. Because of the possibility of stent-related tracheoesophageal fistula, whether surgical feeding gastrostomy or endoscopic stent placement is of benefit for patients with malignant esophageal stenosis requires careful evaluation. doi:10.4021/jmc303w

Double stents: airway stenting after esophageal-stent implantation for esophageal cancer.

Esophageal stenting with self-expandable metallic stents can effectively relieve malignant esophageal strictures in patients in whom chemoradiotherapy has failed. However, airway stenosis can sometimes occur after esophageal stenting. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of double stents (combined esophageal and airway stents) in patients with recurrent and unresectable esophageal carcinoma in whom definitive chemoradiotherapy has failed. We retrospectively studied 35 patients who underwent esophageal stenting for recurrent esophageal carcinoma after failure of chemoradiotherapy. These patients were divided into 2 groups; the E group, consisting of patients who underwent esophageal stenting alone and the D group, consisting of patients who required airway stenting after esophageal stenting due to airway compression. Bronchoscopy was performed before esophageal stenting in all patients. In all 5 patients developed airway stenosis after esophageal stenting. With regard to the bronchoscopic findings before esophageal stenting, the incidence of category-2b findings was significantly higher in the D group than in the E group. Mean survival was 60 days (range 24-102 days). Accurate bronchoscopic examination with special attention to compression of the airway should be performed before esophageal stenting in patients in whom the bronchoscopic findings are classified as category 2b or higher.

Endoscopic Management of Difficult or Recurrent Esophageal Strictures

Esophageal strictures are a common problem in gastroenterological practice. In general, the management of malignant or benign esophageal strictures is different and requires a different treatment approach. In daily clinical practice, stent placement is a commonly used modality for the palliation of incurable malignant strictures causing dysphagia, whereas, if available, intraluminal brachytherapy can be considered in patients with a good performance status. Recurrent dysphagia frequently occurs in malignant cases. In case of tissue in- or overgrowth, a second stent is placed. If stent migration occurs, the stent can be repositioned or a second (preferably partially covered) stent can be placed. Food obstruction of the stent lumen can be resolved by endoscopic cleansing. The cornerstone of the management of benign strictures is still dilation therapy (Savary-Gilliard bougie or balloon). There are a subgroup of strictures that are refractory or recur and an alternative approach is required. In order to prevent stricture recurrence, steroid injections into the stricture followed by dilation can be considered. In case of anastomotic strictures or Schatzki rings, incisional therapy is a safe method in experienced hands. Temporary stent placement is a third option before considering self-bougienage or surgery as a salvage treatment. In this review, the most frequently used endoscopic treatment modalities for malignant and benign stricture management will be discussed based on the available literature, and some practical information for the management in daily clinical practice will be provided.

Removable, Fully Covered, Self-expandable Metal Stents for the Treatment of Refractory Benign Esophagogastric Anastomotic Strictures

The use of metal stents for malignant esophageal strictures for palliation is well accepted. However, utilization of metal stents for benign esophageal diseases has been controversial. Given the availability of removable, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (RFCSEMSs), this study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of RFCSEMSs in patients with refractory benign esophagogastric anastomotic strictures. Twenty-four patients with RFCSEMSs were enrolled in this study. All patients had undergone endoscopic Savary-Gilliard bougie dilatation five times or more but there was no significant improvement in symptoms. For all 24 patients, the symptom of dysphagia was alleviated significantly while the stent was in place and for a short time after stent removal, and dysphagia scores decreased from 3-4 to 0-1. After 12months of follow-up, 18 patients were free from dysphagia but the other 6 patients still suffered obvious dysphagia. RFCSEMSs are still not perfect and can induce some complications. The treatment failure rate of restenting was remarkably high after the first failure. Given that effective methods for treating refractory stricture have not been found, RFCSEMSs could be considered for treating refractory benign esophagogastric anastomotic stricture.

The Use of Self-Expanding Plastic Stents in the Management of Oesophageal Leaks and Spontaneous Oesophageal Perforations

Leakage after oesophageal anastomosis or perforation remains a challenge for the surgeon. Traditional management has been operative repair or intensive conservative management. Both treatments are associated with prolonged hospitalisation and high morbidity and mortality rates. Self-expanding metallic stents have played an important role in the palliation of malignant oesophageal strictures and the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistulae. However, self-expanding metal stents in benign oesophageal disease are associated with complications such as bleeding, food bolus impaction, stent migration, and difficulty in retrieval. The Polyflex stent is the only commercially available self-expanding plastic stent which has been used in the management of malignant oesophageal strictures with good results. This review will consider the literature concerning the use of self-expanding plastic stents in the treatment of oesophageal anastomotic leakage and spontaneous perforations of the oesophagus.

Intraluminal Radioactive Stent Compared with Covered Stent Alone for the Treatment of Malignant Esophageal Stricture

This study was designed to compare the clinical effectiveness of intraluminal radioactive stent loaded with iodine-125 seeds implantation versus covered stent alone insertion in patients with malignant esophageal stricture. We studied two groups of patients with malignant esophageal stricture. Group A comprised 28 patients (19 men and 9 women) who underwent intraluminal radioactive stent loaded with iodine-125 seeds implantation and were followed prospectively. Group B comprised 30 patients (18 men and 12 women) who had previously received covered stent alone insertion; these patients were evaluated retrospectively. There was no crossover between the two groups during follow-up. Informed consent was obtained from each patient, and our institutional review board approved the study. The dysphagia score, overall survival rates, complication rates, and reintervention rates were compared in the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics. Stent placement was technically successful and well tolerated in all patients. The dysphagia score was improved in both groups after stent placement. The median survival was significantly longer in group A than in group B: 11 versus 4.9 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The complications of chest pain, esophageal reflux, and stent migration was more frequent in group B, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no statistical difference in reintervention between two groups. Intraluminal radioactive stent loaded with iodine-125 seeds implantation was a feasible and practical management in treating malignant esophageal stricture and was superior to covered stent alone insertion, as measured by survival.