Metal Stents Research Articles

Anastomotic leakage following surgical resection in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Surgical resection is the consistent component of curative treatment strategies for primary malignant diseases of the stomach and the esophagus. The placement of anastomoses for the necessary reconstruction still accounts for substantial morbidity and in the case of afailure to rescue also for mortality, especially for esophagojejunostomy and esophagogastrostomy. The diagnostics of anastomotic leakage routinely involve computed tomography and endoscopy and timely performance appears to be essential. Endoscopy can simultaneously initiate the essential treatment step. Amajor reason for the improvement of postoperative outcomes after resection in the upper gastrointestinal tract in the last decades is the successful and mostly endoscopically performed management of anastomotic leakage, whereby different endoscopic treatment options are now available. Endoscopic vacuum therapy has become established as the standard, normally with an endoscopic vacuum sponge technique but is also now supplemented by acombination system of vacuum sponge and stent. Furthermore, afoil-coated multiple lumen nasogastric tube represents another available option, which can possibly especially be used as aprophylactic measure. The longest established endoscopic therapy option for anastomotic leaks, the endoluminal metal stent, has been replaced as the standard by the vacuum treatment but is still used in suitable situations. Additionally, there are endoscopic suture devices that are currently only used very occasionally. Surgical revision is always available as treatment escalation but is only recommended for very early occurrences and possibly technically related anastomotic leakage and in the case of failure of endoscopic treatment. This article describes and summarizes the diagnostics and treatment of anastomotic leakages after surgical procedures of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The prognosis of acute myocardial infarction due to stent thrombosis after 2nd generation drug eluting stents era (comparative study with acute myocardial infarction due to plaque rupture or erosion)

Abstract Backgrounds Stent thrombosis (ST) is a rare complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and more than 70% of ST cases result in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although a new generation of drug-eluting stents (DES) and newer antiplatelet therapies have been shown to reduce the incidence of ST, ST-related AMI continues to be observed in contemporary practice. The prevalence and prognosis of ST results in AMI have not been well evaluated after the 2nd generation DES (G2-DES) era. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and prognosis of AMI due to ST after the G2-DES era compared with AMI due to plaque rupture or erosion. Methods Among 6601 AMI patients enrolled in the Mie ACS registry from January 2013 to November 2022, 6273 AMI patients with AMI due to ST(ST) and AMI due to plaque rupture and erosion (AMI:P) were included for this analysis after excluding other types of AMI. ST was confirmed by angiography. The primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality, and revascularization after PCI for AMI was also evaluated. Results Seventy-eight patients, or 1.2% of all AMI in this study, had AMI due to ST, including early ST n=13 (16.7%), late ST n=4 (5.1%), and very late ST n=61 (78.2%). Stent types were G2-DES n=35 (44%), G1-DES n=18 (23.1%), bare metal stent (BMS) n=12 (15.4%), and unknown n=13 (16.7%). According to the KM survival curve, the 30-day mortality rate of ST was 2.6%, while the AMI:P rate was 6.7%, which was not statistically significant, but the ST was half the mortality rate. Furthermore, in the landmark analysis, the 2-year mortality rates were 6.2% for ST and 7.0% for AMI:P (P=0.66, Figure 1). ST was not an independent predictor of poor prognosis by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Even after the propensity score matching analysis as a sensitivity analysis, ST was not an independent predictor of poor prognosis in AMI patients. Among ST patients, 82.2% were treated with balloon angioplasty (without additional stenting) at the time of AMI, whereas 9.7% of AMI:P patients were treated with balloon angioplasty (P<0.001). Compared to patients with AMI:P, patients with ST had a higher incidence of revascularization after PCI for AMI within 2 years (21.8% vs. 11.2%; P=0.02, Figure 2A). Multivariate Cox regression analysis also showed that ST was an independent predictor of revascularization after PCI for AMI with a hazard ratio of 2.00 (P<0.01, Figure 2B). Conclusion The prognosis of ST patients tended to be better than that of AMI:P patients. The proportion of ST in AMI has decreased in the G2-DES era, and the higher proportion of VLST in ST suggests that its prognosis may be better than that of AMI:P . However, the rate of revascularization is higher in ST patients because stenting was not performed in the acute phase of PCI for AMI, and the appropriate use of stents depending on the type of ST may lead to a reduction in revascularization.Figure1Figure2

Synthetic Flavonoid 3,7-Dihydroxy-Isoflav-3-Ene (DHIF) Reduces In-Stent Restenosis in an Atherosclerotic Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic Rabbit Stent Model

Inflammation is a major component of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the formation of in-stent restenosis (ISR). A novel flavonoid, DHIF, attenuates reactive oxygen species and nf-κB signaling and has potential to limit ISR via antioxidant action. While current drug eluting stents (DESs) perform well in clinical practice, new therapies to prevent ISR without dependance on cytotoxic drugs are warranted. Our objective was to test whether DHIF reduces ISR in a hyperlipidemic rabbit aorta model of ISR via attenuated inflammatory responses. WHHL rabbit aortas (n = 24) were denuded. Six weeks after injury, stents were implanted into the denuded aortas. DHIF was dissolved in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and administered orally with two doses. CMC served as a control. The animals were sacrificed six weeks after stenting. ISR was evaluated from stent histomorphometry and immunohistology was used to assess the inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of the treatment. ISR was reduced from 20.9 ± 3.0% in controls to 15.2 ± 2.4% (p = 0.0009) and 16.4 ± 2.1% (p = 0.004) in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively. The neointimal area covered by macrophages was 32 ± 9.3% in the controls, 17.2 ± 5.9% (p = 0.005) in the low-dose group and 19.4 ± 7.9% (p = 0.008) in the high-dose group. DHIF significantly reduces ISR and local inflammation in stented arterial regions and could be used to reduce ISR when bare metal stents are used. Targeting local inflammation in the arterial wall may provide a way to reduce ISR in a clinical setting and further studies are warranted.

Technical challenges and safety of prophylactic gallbladder stenting with metallic biliary stenting.

Technical challenges and safety of prophylactic gallbladder stenting with metallic biliary stenting.

3D printed polymeric stent design: Mechanical testing and computational modeling

Polymer-based bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) aim to reduce the long-term issues associated with metal stents. Yet, first-generation BRS designs experienced a significantly higher rate of clinical failures compared to permanent implants. This prompted the development of alternative scaffolds, such as the poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) solvent-casted stent, whose mechanical performance has yet to be addressed. This study examines the mechanical behavior of this novel scaffold across a wide range of parallel and radial compression diameters. The analysis highlights the scaffold’s varying responses under different loading conditions and provides insights into interpreting simulation model parameters to accurately reflect experimental results.Stents demonstrated a parallel crush resistance of 0.11 N/mm at maximum compression, whereas the radial forces were significantly higher, reaching up to 1.80 N/mm. Additionally, the parallel test keeps the stent in the elastic regime, with almost no regions exceeding 50 MPa of stress, while the radial test causes significant structural deformation, with localized plastic strain reaching up to 30 %. Results showed that underestimating yield strain in computational models leads to discrepancies with experimental results, being 5 % the most accurate value for matching computational and experimental results for PLCL solvent-casted stents.This comprehensive approach is vital for optimizing BRS design and predicting clinical performance.

Lethal Complication of Postairway Stenting to Trachea and Left Main Bronchus: A Case Series with Discussion of the Diagnosis and Management

Abstract The insertion of a metallic airway stent is a valuable method for the treatment of benign and malignant airway stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistula. Although stenting for airway stenosis has become widely popular with favorable outcomes, several complications can arise after stenting, such as migration, tendency for stent fracture, and ingrowth of tumor or granulation tissue into the stent. Very few of these reports have described the complications of poststenting pneumothorax. We report the cases of three patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, complicated by tracheoesophageal fistula, and treated with a tracheal stent or bronchial stent, who developed poststenting pneumothorax.

Predictors of symptom recurrence and survival in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction treated with self-expanding metal stents.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) poses a substantial symptomatic burden. While various therapeutic options exist, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are a common palliative choice for patients who are ineligible for surgery. We studied SEMS outcomes to identify factors influencing stent dysfunction and patient survival. A multi-centre, retrospective review of 190 patients with GOO undergoing SEMS at three tertiary hospitals was performed over 2016-2022. Technical success, clinical success and adverse outcomes were recorded. Predictors of stent dysfunction and survival were evaluated using multivariate regression. Technical success was achieved in 186/190 (97.9%) and clinical success in 156/186 (83.9%), defined as post-procedural gastric outlet obstruction symptom score (GOOSS) ≥2. Eighty-two (44.1%) patients experienced an adverse event with stent occlusion the most common (23.1%). Approximately one-third (32.3%) underwent a repeat intervention. Mean stent patency time was 67 days (standard deviation=76), and median post-stent survival was 95 days (37-197). Covered and partially covered SEMS carried three times the risk of stent dysfunction compared to uncovered SEMS (odds ratio 3.06, p=0.008). Mortality predictors were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥2 (p=0.03), extrinsic outlet obstruction (p=0.05) and presence of ascites (p=<0.001). SEMS demonstrated technical and clinical success but posed a high risk of recurrence, with stent patency time falling short of survival in our cohort. With an evolving landscape of therapeutics for GOO, appropriate patient selection is paramount. Individuals with reduced performance status, extrinsic obstruction and/or ascites may be better candidates for SEMS due to more limited life expectancy. In this setting, uncovered SEMS carry the lowest risk of reintervention.

Afferent loop syndrome following pancreatic head cancer surgery treated with metal stent placement using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope.

Afferent loop syndrome following pancreatic head cancer surgery treated with metal stent placement using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope.

Low-pressure self-expandable metal stent insertion for obstructive colon cancer using water and gel immersion.

Low-pressure self-expandable metal stent insertion for obstructive colon cancer using water and gel immersion.

Prognostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 levels in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer treated with a self-expandable metallic stent and curative surgery.

The importance of tumor markers is well established; yet little is known about their prognostic value for patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). We investigated the clinical significance of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 levels in patients with non-metastatic OCRC, who underwent insertion of a self-expandable metallic stent and curative surgery. Clinical data on 91 patients with OCRC were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the associations of preoperative serum values of tumor makers with short- and long-term outcomes. The 91 patients comprised 53 men and 38 women, with a median age of 71years. Twelve patients had an elevated preoperative CA 19-9 level. Multivariate analyses revealed that an elevated CA 19-9 level was independently associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06-10.14, P < 0.001] and overall survival (HR = 4.06, 95% CI 1.46-11.24, P = 0.007). A CEA level > 5ng/ml had no prognostic value, whereas a CEA level > 10.8ng/ml was significantly associated with worse DFS (P = 0.032). Measuring the CA 19-9 level concomitantly with the CEA level for patients with advanced CRC, including OCRC, may provide a valuable means to improve prognostication.

Impact of a novel-covered colonic stent in obstructive colon cancer.

Although the short-term outcomes of bridge-to-surgery (BTS) procedures using self-expandable metal stents are favorable, concerns remain regarding worsened prognosis due to tissue injury in the tumor area. Herein, we describe a newly developed covered stent, the Kawasumi Jabara colonic stent™, designed to reduce tissue damage/injury associated with stent-related complications in BTS procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Kawasumi Jabara colonic stent as a BTS for obstructive colorectal cancer (OCC). This multicenter retrospective observational study included 44 OCC patients who underwent BTS with stents at four facilities between September 2020 and November 2022. The groups of patients receiving the Kawasumi Jabara and non-covered colonic stents were designated Groups C and NC, respectively. Treatment outcomes related to stent placement and surgery were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Groups NC and C (n = 34 and 10, respectively) showed no significant differences in sex, age, tumor location, histological type, Colorectal Obstruction Scoring System (CROSS) score, or cStage; however, the stent placement duration was shorter in Group C. No significant differences were found in terms of the technical and clinical success rates for stent placement. Stent dislocation was observed in 0 and 2 cases in Groups C and NC, respectively. PSM analysis between eight cases, each from Groups C and NC, revealed no significant differences in stent-related or surgical outcomes between the groups. However, regarding the gross injury score in the resected specimens, Group C had a lower score than Group NC (1.8 vs. 5.5), and the proportion of pathological tissue injury involving deeper layers was also lower in Group C (37.5% vs. 100%). Compared to conventional non-covered stents, the Kawasumi Jabara colonic stent™ demonstrated favorable safety during stent insertion, retention, and surgery, with only mild tissue injury.

A novel puzzle ring replacement technique of a lumen-apposing metal stent with a double-pigtail plastic stent to prevent walled-off necrosis recurrence (with video).

Replacing a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with a double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) after treatment for walled-off necrosis contributes to the prevention of recurrence. However, the success rate is not very high. To overcome this issue, we devised a novel stent-replacement technique. In the final treatment procedure, a 7-F DPS was placed in the lumen of the LAMS. Subsequently, the walled-off necrosisshrank, and granulation formed over the pigtail portion, which fixed the DPS. The LAMS alone was removed with grasping forceps, leaving the DPS in the lumen of the LAMS (i.e., a puzzle-ring technique; direct or rotary removal technique). Between August 2021 and August 2023, 18 patients were evaluated for recurrence prevention using this novel technique (median duration of LAMS placement, 37 days). In 17 patients (94.4%), the LAMS was successfully replaced with a 7-F DPS (direct technique 14, rotary technique 3; median removal procedure time, 3 min). No recurrence was observed during the median observation period of 385 days. Before using this technique (April 2012 to August 2022), the technical success rate of replacement of LAMS with 7-F DPS was significantly lower (61.8% [42/68, p = 0.02]). Recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection occurred in 15.3% (4/26) of the patients who could not undergo replacement with a 7-F DPS. The novel puzzle ring technique, which improves the success rate of LAMS for DPS replacement, may be useful in reducing recurrence after walled-off necrosistreatment.

Lumen-apposing metal stents for anastomosis creation throughout the gastrointestinal tract: A large single-center experience.

The introduction of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) has revolutionized the field of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAMS in creating an endoscopic ultrasound-guided anastomosis between two segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Data from all consecutive LAMS procedures for anastomosis creation between two segments of the GI, conducted between October 2019 and February 2024, were retrospectively analyzed for technical success (defined as correct deployment of the LAMS in the target), clinical success (defined as achievement of the intended clinical goal), and adverse events. A total of 145 LAMS procedures were performed in 136 patients. Indications for LAMS procedures included the need for endoscopic access to or reversal of surgically excluded segments of the GI tract (n = 73, 50.3%), and the alleviation of any GI outflow obstruction (n = 72, 49.7%). The overall technical and clinical success rates were very high (97.2% and 95.2%, respectively). Adverse events were observed in 20/145 (13.8%) cases, including 11 (7.6%) minor events (AGREE <3) and nine (6.2%) major events (AGREE ≥3). Major events included stent migration (n = 1), persisting fistula (n = 3), and bleeding (n = 4). All adverse events were successfully managed, and there were no procedure-related deaths. Loss of LAMS patency occurred in 4/145 (2.8%) cases and could be endoscopically managed in all cases. The creation of anastomoses with LAMS between two segments of the GI tract appears to be effective and safe, with a low reintervention rate due to loss of LAMS patency.

EUS-guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections Using Lumen Apposing Metal Stents With or Without Coaxial Plastic Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Co-axial plastic double pigtail stents (DPSs) are commonly placed through lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) in patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) to decrease the risk of adverse events. In this meta-analysis, we have compared the outcomes of LAMS plus co-axial DPS versus LAMS alone in patients with PFCs. We reviewed several databases to identify the studies that compared outcomes of LAMS with DPS to LAMS without DPS in the treatment of PFCs. Our outcomes of interest were overall adverse events, clinical success and individual adverse events such as stent (LAMS) migration, stent occlusion, bleeding, and infection. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the analysis of outcomes. We used a random effects model to analyze the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. We included 10 studies with 685 patients. Rate of overall adverse events was significantly lower in the LAMS+DPS group compared with LAMS alone, RR (95% CI) 0.58 (0.40, 0.87). There was no significant difference in the rate of clinical success between groups, RR (95% CI) 1.03 (0.94, 1.13). We found no significant difference in rate of stent occlusion between groups. Rate of infection was significantly lower in LAMS+DPS group, RR (95% CI) 0.46 (0.24, 0.85). There was no significant difference in rate of bleeding and stent (LAMS) migration between groups. Addition of co-axial DPS to LAMS decreases the risk of adverse events in patients with PFCs and should be considered in all patients with PFCs.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis after self-expandable metal stent placement for distal malignant biliary obstruction (SPHINX): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement is the preferred approach for biliary drainage in patients with suspected distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). However, FCSEMS...

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of Pelvic Fluid Collections with Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents

Introduction: A pelvic abscess is a potential life-threatening condition that should be managed conservatively whenever possible. Currently, computed tomography or ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage is still the gold standard approach for pelvic fluid collections (PFCs) requiring intervention. More recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) drainage using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) has been used off-label in PFCs with similar efficacy, a favorable safety profile, better quality of life, and generally a shorter duration of treatment when compared to the gold standard treatment. Methods: An observational retrospective analysis of 6 patients who underwent EUS-guided PFC drainage with LAMS at our institution was conducted. Records were reviewed to identify etiology, size of the collection, number of endoscopic procedures required until complete resolution, stent indwelling time, concomitant surgical or percutaneous associated procedures, successful removal and resolution. Results: The 6 patients included had an average age of 69 years old and 5 (83.3%) were male. The average size of the PFCs was 72.5 mm. All patients (100%) had successful drainage following LAMS placement, though 1 patient had an early recurrence. The mean stent indwelling time in our study was 6.7 days. An additional percutaneous or surgical drainage intervention was not required in any of the participants. Also, no adverse events related to the procedure were reported during the follow-up period. Conclusion: EUS-guided drainage of PFCs with LAMS is a safe and minimally invasive technique, which allows rapid PFC resolution, with no need for percutaneous or surgical drainage interventions.

Novel self-expandable metallic stent with dumbbell-shape and spiral outer cover for malignant distal biliary obstruction.

Novel self-expandable metallic stent with dumbbell-shape and spiral outer cover for malignant distal biliary obstruction.

Feasibility of Double-Deployment Small-Diameter Covered Metallic Stent for Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction (with Video)

Background/Objectives: Covered self-expandable metallic stents (CSEMS) are commonly used to treat malignant distal biliary obstructions. A 10-mm CSEMS carries the risk of obstructing the pancreatic and cystic duct orifices by adhering to the bile duct; therefore, postoperative pancreatitis and cholecystitis are reported to occur at a certain frequency. We have adopted a new drainage technique for malignant distal biliary obstruction called ‘‘double-slim SEMS stenting” (DSS), where two small-diameter CSEMS are placed side-by-side. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of biliary drainage using DSS with those of conventional CSEMS. Methods: In total, 50 patients who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstructions between April 2019 and March 2022 at Hyogo Medical University Hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into DSS and Conventional groups, and the technical success rate, clinical success rate, adverse events, success rate for reintervention, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rate, and time to RBO (TRBO) were evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the DSS (n = 20) and Conventional groups (n = 30). The technical and clinical success rates were 100% in the DSS group. The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups (DSS/Conventional: 10.0% [2/20]/20.0% [6/30]) (p = 0.34). No acute cholecystitis was observed in the DSS group. The incidence rates of RBO were 30% (6/20) and 43% (13/30) in the DSS and Conventional groups, respectively (p = 0.92). The median TRBO in the DSS group was 378 days, while the TRBO in the Conventional group was 195 days (p = 0.03), resulting in significantly longer TRBO in the DSS group. Conclusions: DSS emerges as a viable and safe approach for biliary drainage in malignant distal biliary obstruction, demonstrating a lower incidence of adverse events and longer TRBO compared to conventional CSEMS.

A Prospective, Randomized Trial of Bioresorbable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stents Versus Fully Bioresorbable Scaffolds in Patients Undergoing Coronary Stenting

Background: The performance of an everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) was inferior to an everolimus-eluting metallic drug-eluting stent (DES) with permanent polymer, mainly due the mechanical features of BRS technology. The performance of BRS as compared to metallic DES with bioresorbable polymers remains unstudied. Methods: This prospective, randomized, multicenter, clinical trial enrolled patients who underwent coronary stenting for de novo coronary lesions. Patients were randomly assigned to bioresorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (BP-EES) or everolimus-eluting BRS. The primary endpoint was percentage diameter stenosis (in-device) at 6- to 8-month angiographic surveillance. The main secondary endpoint was the device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) of cardiac death/target vessel-myocardial infarction/target lesion revascularization assessed after 12 months and 5 years. Results: The trial was prematurely terminated after the enrollment of 117 of 230 patients (BP-EES, n = 60; BRS, n = 57) due to safety issues associated with BRS technology. The primary endpoint of in-device diameter stenosis at angiographic surveillance was 12.5 ± 7.7% with BP-EES versus 19.3 ± 16.5% with BRS (p = 0.01). The DOCE occurred in 5.0% in the BP-EES group versus 12.3% of patients in the BRS group (hazard ratio [HR] 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–9.58, p = 0.19) after 12 months and in 11.7% in the BP-EES group versus 26.4% of patients in the BRS group (HR 2.38, 95% CI 0.97–5.84, p = 0.06) after 5 years. Conclusions: BP-EES showed superior mid-term angiographic performance compared with BRS. Clinical event rates did not differ significantly between the groups up to 5 years of follow-up. These results should be interpreted with caution in view of the premature discontinuation of the study.

Self-expanding metal stent for relieving the stricture after endoscopic injection for esophageal varices.

Esophageal stricture is one of the complications after esophageal varices sclerotherapy injection (ESI), and the incidence rate is between 2%-10%. To explore the efficacy of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) for the stricture after endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate (CYA) and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of SEMS to improve the stricture after endoscopic injection with CYA and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices in 4 patients from February 2023 to June 2023. The strictures were improved in four patients after stenting. The stent was removed after two weeks because of chest pain with embedding into esophageal mucosa in one patient. The stent was removed after one month, however, the stent was reinserted because of the strictures happening again in two patients. The stent was removed after three months, however, the stent was reinserted because of the strictures happening again in one patient. The stent embedded into esophageal mucosa in three patients. There were 3 patients suffered reflux esophagitis, and the acid reflux was relieved by taking hydrotalcite. There was no other complication of esophageal perforation, bleeding from varices or infection. SEMS may relieve the stricture which happened after endoscopic injection with CYA and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices. However, when we should remove the stent still needs to be explored.