Recurrent Dysphagia Research Articles

Locoregional mitomycin C injection for esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of locoregional mitomycin C (MMC) injection to treat refractory esophageal strictures after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal carcinoma. Patients with dysphagia and strictures that were refractory to repeated endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) were eligible. After EBD, MMC was injected into the dilated site. Between June 2009 and August 2010, five patients were recruited. The treatment was performed once in two patients and twice in three patients with recurrent dysphagia or restenosis. In all patients, passing a standard endoscope through the site was easy and the dysphagia grade improved (grade 3→1 in 3 patients, grade 4→2 in 2 patients). No serious complications were noted. During the observation period of 4.8 months, neither recurrent dysphagia nor re-stricture appeared in any of the patients. The combination of locoregional MMC injections and EBD is feasible and safe for the treatment of esophageal strictures after ESD.Recently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed and accepted as a new endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal tumors. ESD is a promising treatment for superficial esophageal carcinoma (SEC), and it has a reliable en bloc resection rate. However, the application of ESD for widespread lesions is challenging because of the high risk of the development of severe strictures, which lead to a low quality of life after ESD. Although endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is effective for benign strictures, it needs to be performed frequently until the dysphagia disappears 1. Mitomycin C (MMC), which is a chemotherapeutic agent derived from some Streptomyces species 2, reduces scar formation when topically applied to a surgical lesion. MMC has been applied to treat strictures in a variety of anatomical locations, including a variety of organs 3. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate both the feasibility and the safety of locoregional MMC injection therapy in patients with refractory esophageal strictures after ESD for SEC.

Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy achieved lesser recurrent dysphagia with better quality of life when compared with endoscopic balloon dilatation for treatment of achalasia

Achalasia is a rare primary motility disorder of esophagus; treatments include endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) and laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy (LC). This study compared EBD versus LC for treatment of achalasia with focus on quality of life (QoL) and prevalence of post-treatment gastroesophageal reflux disease. This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with achalasia older than 16 treated with either EBD or LC from January 1998 to April 2008. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, postintervention GERD symptoms, QoL, recurrence of dysphagia, reintervention rate, hospital stay, and time to resumption of diet were collected. Sixty-eight patients were recruited into the study (EBD n= 50; LC n= 18). A significant improvement in QoL was found in patients undergoing LC (0.917 vs. 0.807, P= 0.006). A higher proportion of patients treated with EBD developed post-treatment gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (60.5% vs. 43.8%) when compared with LC, although statistically insignificant (P= 0.34). Patients treated with balloon dilatation had a greater percentage of recurrence of dysphagia (55.1% vs. 26.7%; P= 0.235) and need of reintervention (42.1% vs. 9.1%; P= 0.045). However, these patients had a shorter median hospital stay (1d [range 0-4]) and earlier resumption of diet (0d [range 0-3]). Although EBD is associated with a quicker perioperative recovery, LC accomplished a better QoL, lower incidence of recurrence of dysphagia, and need of reintervention after treatment for achalasia.

What Is the Optimal Management of Dysphagia in Metastatic Esophageal Cancer?

The palliation of dysphagia in metastatic esophageal cancer remains a challenge, and the optimal approach for this difficult clinical scenario is not clear. We therefore sought to define and determine the efficacy of various treatment options used at our institution for this condition. We reviewed a prospective database for all patients managed in an esophageal cancer referral centre over a 5-year period. All patients receiving palliation of malignant dysphagia were reviewed for demographics, palliative treatment modalities, complications, and dysphagia scores (0 = none to 4 = complete). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine significance (p < 0.05). During 2004-2009, 63 patients with inoperable esophageal cancer were treated for palliation of dysphagia. The primary treatment was radiotherapy in 79% (brachytherapy in 18 of 50; external-beam in 10 of 50; both types in 22 of 50), and stenting in 21%. Mean wait time from diagnosis to treatment was 22 days in the stent group and 54 days in the radiotherapy group (p = 0.003). Mean duration of treatment was 1 day in the stent group and 40 days in the radiotherapy group (p = 0.001). In patients treated initially by stenting, dysphagia improved within 2 weeks of treatment in 85% of patients (dysphagia score of 0 or 1). However, 20% of patients presented with recurrence of dysphagia at 10 weeks of treatment. In the radiotherapy group, the onset of palliation was slower, with only 50% of patients palliated at 2 weeks (dysphagia score of 0 or 1). However, long-term palliation was more satisfactory, with 90% of patients remaining palliated after 10 weeks of treatment. In inoperable esophageal cancer at our centre, radiation treatment provided durable long-term relief, but came at a high price of a long wait time for initiation of treatment and a long lag time between initiation of treatment and relief of symptoms. On the other hand, endoluminal stenting provided more rapid and effective early relief from symptoms, but was affected by recurrence of dysphagia in the long-term. It is now time for a prospective randomized trial to assess the safety and efficacy of combined-modality treatment with both endoluminal stenting and radiation therapy compared with either treatment alone.

Left Atrial Reduction Plasty: A Novel Technique

We describe a novel technique of left atrial volume reduction in a patient presenting with severe dyspnea from severe mitral insufficiency, giant left atrium, and compressive symptoms of dysphagia and dysphonia. Resection involved circumferential excision of the left atrium anterior to the pulmonary venous vestibule and posterior to the mitral valve and fossa ovalis, including the left atrial appendage. A chordal-sparing bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve annuloplasty, and coronary bypass were also performed. Significant reduction of left atrial volume by 50% was achieved and clinical resolution of compressive symptoms was seen at 6-month follow-up.

A new fully covered metal stent for the treatment of benign and malignant dysphagia: a prospective follow-up study

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are increasingly being used for malignant and benign strictures. Particularly in the latter, FCSEMSs are known for their high migration rates. A new FCSEMS with a dog-bone shape and internal covering was developed to reduce migration risk. To evaluate recurrent dysphagia and safety of the new FC stent in benign and malignant esophageal disorders. Prospective follow-up study. Tertiary referral center. Between November 2009 and February 2011, 48 consecutive patients (mean age 61 years, range 28-81 years) underwent FC stent placement for malignant (n = 33) or benign (n = 15) dysphagia. FC stent placement. Recurrent dysphagia and complications. Indications for FC stent placement included esophageal cancer (n = 28), extrinsic malignant compression (n = 4), recurrent malignancy after esophagectomy (n = 1), and refractory benign esophageal stricture (n = 15). In malignant strictures, recurrent dysphagia occurred in 5 patients (15%) because of stent migration (n = 3), tissue overgrowth (n = 1), and acute edema (n = 1). In benign strictures, stents were prematurely removed in 9 (60%) patients because of stent migration (n = 5), tissue overgrowth (n = 3), and pain (n = 1). Recurrent dysphagia occurred in all patients after stent removal. Major complications occurred in 10 patients (30%) with malignant strictures and in 3 patients (20%) with benign strictures and included severe pain and/or vomiting (n = 8), fistula formation (n = 2), bleeding (n = 2), and aspiration pneumonia (n = 1). Nonrandomized study design. Although the new FC stent effectively treats malignant dysphagia, it is associated with substantial major complications. In patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures, recurrent dysphagia occurs rapidly after removal of the new FC stent.

Research commentary

Spinal muscular atrophy [SMA] is the most common genetic cause of childhood mortality, primarily from the most severe form SMA type 1. It is a severe, progressive motor neurone disease, affecting the lower brainstem nuclei and the spinal cord. There is a graded level of severity with SMA children from a practical viewpoint described as “Non-sitters”, “Sitters” and less commonly, “Ambulant” correlating with SMA Type 0/Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 respectively. Children with SMA Type 0 have a severe neonatal form whilst those with SMA Type 1 develop hypoventilation, pulmonary aspiration, recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, dysphagia and failure to thrive before usually succumbing to respiratory failure and death before the age of 2 years. The recent introduction of the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen into clinical practice in certain countries, following limited trials of less than two years duration, has altered the treatment landscape and improved the outlook considerably for SMN1 related SMA. Approximately 70% of infants appear to have a clinically significant response to nusinersen with improved motor function. It appears the earlier the treatment is initiated the better the response. There are other rarer genetic forms of SMA that are not treated with nusinersen. Clinical expectations will change although it is unclear as yet what the extent of response will mean in terms of screening initiatives [e.g., newborn screening], “preventative strategies” to maintain respiratory wellbeing, timing of introduction of respiratory supports, and prolonged life expectancy for the subcategory of children with treated SMA type 1. This article provides a review of the strategies available for supporting children with respiratory complications of SMA, with a particular emphasis on SMA Type 1.

The Role of Ultrasound and Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Subcutaneous Esophageal Bypass in a Dysphagic Patient

Several conditions require subcutaneous colon bypass surgery in the esophageal diseases treatment. Esophageal reconstructions are high risk procedures because of their morbidity and mortality rate. Cervical anastomotic strictures, colon transplant redundancy, recurrent dysphagia, intestinal obstruction, regurgitation, and aspiration are the most frequent late complications. The patient assessment should be performed with noninvasive methods in order to prevent long-term complications. We report the use of ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) for evaluating a dysphagic patient, after subcutaneous esophageal bypass. A thorax and upper abdomen contrast media CT study with volume rendering reconstruction was performed in order to evaluate late post operative complications. In addition a US examination, performed after CT scan, was used for the assessment of the colonic wall and its vascularization. The subcutaneous esophageal bypass allowed for an effective ultrasound evaluation with no additional discomfort for the patient. ultrasonography has been shown effective in the esophageal bypass follow up, when subcutaneous colon bypass surgery was performed. The ultrasonography evaluation, also thanks to a Doppler flowmetry, allowed completing the patient assessment without additional invasive procedures or contrast. Thus it may be performed as a first level evaluation or in the follow up of subcutaneous esophageal bypass patients.

Survival rates for patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma receiving different treatment modalities.

Survival rates for patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma receiving different treatment modalities.

Double Aortic Arch with Dominant Left Arch

A vascular ring is defined as an anomaly of the great arteries (aortic arch and its branches) that compresses the trachea or esophagus. Double aortic arch is the most common vascular ring. Double aortic arch is very rare and typically becomes symptomatic in infancy or early childhood. We present a 7-year-old girl admitted to our clinic for evaluation of recurrent respiratory infection with dysphagia. Double aortic arch was suspected from echocardiography and diagnosed with cardiac computed tomography. Left aortic arcus was larger than the right at computed tomography and cardiac catheterisation. After surgery the symptoms improved strikingly. We conclude that vascular ring should be considered in the patients presenting with recurrent pulmonary infections and dysphagia. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent chronic, irreversible complications.

Role of Photodynamic Therapy in the Palliation of Obstructing Esophageal Cancer

Background/AimsThe aim of this non-randomized study was to determine the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a multimodal approach for the palliation of advanced esophageal carcinoma.MethodsTwenty consecutive patients with obstructing esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study. Each subject had dysphagia, and nine could not swallow fluid. External beam radiotherapy or a self-expandable metal stent was used following PDT for dysphagia due to recurrence of the malignancy.ResultsAt 4 weeks post-PDT, a significant improvement in the dysphagia score was observed in 90% of patients, from 2.75 ± 0.91 to 1.05 ± 0.83 (p < 0.05). Patients with recurrent dysphagia underwent stent insertion at an average of 63 days (range, 37 to 90). The rate of major complications was 10%. Two esophageal strictures occurred, which were treated by placement of a modified expandable stent across the stricture. The median survival in these cases was 7.0 ± 0.6 months. One patient that was treated with PDT and radiotherapy is alive and showed a complete tumor response.ConclusionsPDT as a multimodality treatment is safe and effective for relieving malignant esophageal obstruction with minimal complications.

The never-ending story of dilatation versus surgery for oesophageal achalasia

Still no clear winner

Outcomes following oesophageal stent insertion for palliation of malignant strictures: A large single centre series

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an accepted intervention for malignant dysphagia. Stents vary in ease of insertion, removability, migration and occlusion rates. This series reports the complications, morbidity and mortality associated with several SEMS. A prospective database of patients undergoing fluoroscopic guided oesophageal stent insertion for malignancy between June 2001 and June 2009 was analysed. Patient demographics, intervention outcomes and tumour variables were correlated with stent failure and patient survival. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for stent failure. Two hundred and seventy-three stents were deployed using nine different types of SEMS. The median Mellow-Pinkas dysphagia score significantly improved from 3 to 1 post-stent insertion (P < 0.001), with a technical success rate of 98%. Stent complications occurred in 95 (36%) patients [recurrent dysphagia n = 49 (19%), migration n = 24 and occlusion n = 25]. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that the covered Niti S stent fails significantly more than the double-layered Niti S stent (OR = 4, P < 0.005). Oesophageal stent insertion provides good palliation for malignant dysphagia, however recurrent dysphagia remains a problem. This major complication occurs more frequently with covered Niti S stents than double-layered Niti S stents. This finding may aid the stent choice used in advanced oesophageal malignancy.

Mid-esophagus unresectable cancer treated with a low cost stent. First experience

BackgroundIn the cancer of the esophagus, with recent technologic advances, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are at the forefront of the armamentarium for re-establishing luminal patency. Weighed against the numerous advantages of stents are the import conditions and the cost. In light of this, we tested new low cost prostheses having the basic needs and characteristics to aim a significant benefit to poor people having advanced esophageal cancer, in a Brazilian regional public hospital.MethodsThis initial experience included fifteen patients (eleven men and four women, 55 ± 6.17 years old), presenting esophageal cancer, located at the medium third of the thoracic esophagus, extending for 5.5-8 cm long, not suitable for surgical procedure because they had been staged on fourth grade of the disease, two of them having fistula communicating esophagus to respiratory tree. The stents were placed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance, after attempting an esophageal dilatation. An appropriate covered stent was then deployed, twelve of 10 cm and three of 13 cm in length. A chest X-ray was done 2 h after the procedure and a barium swallow was performed within 12 hours. Seven days and monthly until complete a six month follow-up after the procedure the patients were questioned about presence of pain, regurgitation, heartburn, cough, and their alimentary behavior.ResultsThere were no severe complications and transient mild chest pain resolved until the seventh day after the stent deployment. Chest X-ray demonstrated expansion of the stent in all patients. In 2 cases of fistula, a barium swallow showed its complete sealing. The completion of the proposed follow-up was not achieved in three cases, limited by the patient's death until the third month, due to cancer progression. Recurrent dysphagia to paste food accounted for by tumor overgrowth proximal or distal to the stent and stent migration were not observed in the series.ConclusionsThe new low cost endoprostheses is effective and forthcoming increased experience and prospective trials including questionnaires to analyze quality of life will allow for more informed decisions tailoring to a particular patient situation or to unexpected complications.

Stent placement for esophageal strictures: an update

The use of stents for esophageal strictures has evolved rapidly over the past 10 years, from rigid plastic tubes to flexible self-expanding metal (SEMS), plastic (SEPS) and biodegradable stents. For the palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia both SEMS and SEPS effectively provide a rapid relief of dysphagia. SEMS are preferred over SEPS, as randomized controlled trials have shown more technical difficulties and late migration with plastic stents. Despite specific characteristics of recently developed stents, recurrent dysphagia due to food impaction, tumoral and nontumoral tissue overgrowth, or stent migration, remain a major challenge. The efficacy of stents with an antireflux valve for patients with distal esophageal cancer varies between different stent designs. Concurrent treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy seems to be safe and effective. In the future, it can be expected that removable stents will be used as a bridge to surgery to maintain luminal patency during neoadjuvant treatment. For benign strictures, new stent designs, such as fully covered SEMS and biodegradable stents, may potentially reduce complications during stent removal.

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.

Esophageal Stenting Following Perforation After Balloon Dilatation of Caustic Induced Esophageal Stricture in a 3-year-old Child

Purpose: Caustic ingestion in children is relatively common, causing variable injury to aerodigestive tissues. Esophageal strictures (ES) may occur in 20% of these patients. Treatment of ES involves dilatation with balloons, Savary or Eder-Puestow dilators. Such treatment may be complicated by esophageal perforation (EP). In children EP occurs most commonly during the first dilatation. Morbidity and mortality may be high following EP. Treatment of EP includes surgical repair or in selected patients medical treatment. Prognosis is better when EP is recognized early. Placement of esophageal stents has been used in the management of caustic esophagitis and ES both, in children and adults. In adults, placement of expandable, flexible stents has also emerged as effective treatment for EP. However, in North America the use of esophageal stents in pediatrics is a relatively uncommon practice (Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2010,12:203-210. Use of esophageal stents to treat EP in pediatrics is also rare (Endoscopy 2009,41:E325-326). A 3-year-old girl had accidental ingestion of oven cleaner (pH 14.0). Initial endoscopy showed severe, generalized, concentric esophagitis. She was treated with IV antibiotics, steroids, antacids and parenteral nutrition. She was discharged after 3 weeks on oral feedings, prednisone and lanzoprazole. Six weeks later, she reported progressive dysphagia for solids. Barium swallow showed dilatation of the esophagus proximal to the level of T3-T4, with distal esophageal narrowing. Repeat endoscopy revealed a severe stricture at ˜14 cm from dental line. Wire-guided balloon dilatations (6, 7 and 8 mm) were performed. Following the procedure, esophageal contrast injection showed extravasation associated with a pneumothorax. A 10-80 mm Wallflex Rx fully covered biliary stent (Boston Scientific) and chest tubes were immediately placed. She recovered well having occasional episodes of vomiting and was discharged on PO feedings, lanzoprazole and metoclopramide. At endoscopy one month later, she had significant granulation tissue with cobblestone aspect at the proximal and distal ends of the stent. The stent was removed without complications. The esophageal mucosa was still greyish, edematous and friable. Over the next eight months, recurrent dysphagia prompted monthly balloon dilatation of 2 ES at ˜14 and 18 cm. Her esophagitis and dysphagia have progressively improved. She eats solid food but the ES are still present. In our patient, other than formation of granulation tissue, we observed no complications after esophageal stent placement for 4 weeks. The biliary stent treated the EP and improved the segmental ES, but after 8 months, the child still needs esophageal dilatations.

Predictors of Long-term Outcome After Laparoscopic Esophagomyotomy and Dor Fundoplication for Achalasia

To identify predictors of long-term outcome of laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia, including predictors of heartburn and recurrent dysphagia, which occasionally develop postoperatively. Retrospective review using interviews of patients. Academic university hospital. One hundred sixty-five patients with achalasia who underwent a laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and Dor fundoplication. Dysphagia and heartburn before and after the operation were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale, as were postoperative dilations, reoperations, and antacid use. Potential predictors were age, race, sex, body mass index, weight loss, duration of symptoms, manometry findings, esophageal diameter, previous treatment, and operative technique. Follow-up averaged 62 (range, 1-174) months. Dysphagia frequency was once a week or less in 128 patients (78%), several times per week in 25 (15%), and daily in 12 (7%). Satisfaction scores averaged 3.7 on a 4-point scale. Thirty patients (18%) required a postoperative dilation, and 6 (4%) underwent another operation. The only predictor of postoperative dysphagia was duration of symptoms longer than 10 years (odds ratio, 0.2; P = .03). Preoperative dilations predicted the need for postoperative dilations (odds ratio, 2.4; P = .03). Only 20 patients (12%) reported heartburn more than once weekly, although 75 (45%) reported taking antacids. No variable predicted postoperative heartburn or antacid use. Long-term outcomes after laparoscopic esophagomyotomy were excellent across a wide spectrum of disease severity and presentations. Previous treatments, such as balloon dilation or botulinum toxin (Botox) injection, did not portend worse outcomes. When the myotomy was extended 2 cm onto the stomach and a Dor fundoplication was performed, severe heartburn was rare.

Outcome Following Surgical Management of Corrosive Strictures of the Esophagus

To analyze the short- and long-term outcomes following surgical treatment for corrosive stricture of the esophagus. Surgery is a well-established treatment for corrosive strictures of the esophagus and involves either resection or bypass of the damaged esophagus and replacement by a conduit. The need for resection and the choice of the ideal conduit for esophageal replacement in these patients continues to be debated and there are only a few studies reporting on the long-term outcome following the surgical treatment. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus who were managed surgically between 1983 and 2009. The type of surgery performed (resection or bypass), the conduit used, the short- and long-term outcomes were assessed. One hundred seventy-six corrosive strictures of the esophagus were managed surgically (resection: 64, bypass: 112). A transhiatal resection could be accomplished in 59 of 62 patients in whom it was attempted. Stomach conduits were used in 107 patients and colonic conduits in 69. The mean operating time was 4.3 ± 1.5 hours and the mean estimated blood loss 592 ± 386 mL. Cervical anastomotic leak occurred in 22 patients (12.5%). Follow up of more than 10 years was available for 78 patients (44.3%) and more than 15 years for 54 patients (30.7%). Recurrent dysphagia developed in 33 patients (18.7%). There were no differences in the short- or long-term outcomes in patients who underwent resection or bypass. The mean duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, incidence of conduit necrosis, and in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients with stomach conduits as compared with colonic conduits. There was a higher incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, recurrent dysphagia, and aspiration after surgery in patients with strictures involving the upper end of the esophagus at or near the hypopharynx. Satisfactory outcomes are achieved after surgery for corrosive strictures of the esophagus. Resection of scarred esophagus may be done without a substantial increase in the morbidity and mortality; however, the outcomes are not significantly different from bypass. Stomach is a good conduit and the colon should be reserved for cases where the stomach is not available. Long-term outcomes in patients with hypopharyngeal strictures, however, continue to be poor.

Randomized Comparison of Three Palliative Regimens Including Brachytherapy, Photodynamic Therapy, and APC in Patients With Malignant Dysphagia (CONSORT 1a) (Revised II)

Because most esophageal cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, a majority of patients require palliative dysphagia treatment. Dysphagia severity and the need for repeated re-canalization procedures significantly affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to establish whether combining argon plasma coagulation (APC) of the neoplastic esophageal tissue with another re-canalization method results in a longer dysphagia-free period compared with APC alone. We conducted a randomized trial in 93 patients with malignant dysphagia. Patients were followed until death. We compared three regimens of esophageal re-canalization; APC combined with high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, APC combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT), and APC alone. The primary outcome measure was the dysphagia-free period following randomization. Secondary measures were survival, QoL, treatment-associated complications, and treatment tolerance. A per-protocol analysis was carried out. The time to first dysphagia recurrence was significantly different between each combination treatment group and the control group (overall test: P=0.006; HDR vs. control, log-rank P=0.002, PDT vs. control, log-rank P=0.036), but not different between the combination groups (HDR vs. PDT, log-rank P=0.36). The median time to first dysphagia recurrence was 88, 59, and 35 days in the HDR, PDT, and control groups, respectively. There was no difference in overall survival between the study groups (P=0.27). No deaths, perforations, hemorrhages, or fistula formations were attributed to treatment. The only major complication was fever, occurring in three PDT patients. Minor complications were observed significantly more often in the combination treatment groups and included pain in both groups, transient dysphagia worsening, and skin sensitivity in the PDT group. The QoL 30 days after treatment in the HDR group was significantly better than in the other groups. In patients with inoperable esophageal cancer, palliative combination treatment of dysphagia with APC and HDR or PDT was significantly more efficient than APC alone, and was safe and well tolerated. APC combined with HDR resulted in fewer complications and better QoL than APC with PDT or APC alone (CONSORT 1b).

Fully covered, retrievable self-expanding metal stents (Niti-S) in palliation of malignant dysphagia: Long-term results of a prospective study

Background. In the palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia, fully covered, retrievable metal stents are not commonly used, mainly due to the high risk of migration. Therefore, we performed a prospective study to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a fully covered, retrievable self-expanding metal stent (Niti-S). Method. Between October 1998 and February 2009, 100 consecutive patients with malignant esophageal obstruction treated with the fully covered Niti-S stent (Niti-S, Taewoong Medical, Seoul, South Korea) were included. Data collected contained functional outcome, feasibility of endoscopic stent retrieval, recurrent dysphagia, complications, and survival. Result. At 4 weeks after stent placement, dysphagia significantly improved in all patients (p = 0.000). Recurrent dysphagia occurred in 19 of 100 patients treated with Niti-S stents (19%) mainly due to tumor overgrowth (7/100, 7%), stent migration (6/100, 6%), and food impaction (6/100, 6%). Endoscopic stent retrieval was successful in all the attempted 17 patients (17/100, 17%) – 7 overgrowth, 6 stent migration, 2 stent degradation, and 2 severe pain. Major complications were 2 hemorrhage, 2 severe pain, and 1 tracheal compression (5/100, 5%), and minor complications were 10 retrosternal pain and 7 symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (17/100, 17%). After a median follow-up of 142 days, 97 patients had expired. There was no stent-related mortality or 30-day mortality. Conclusion. The fully covered, retrievable Niti-S stent has proved its effectiveness for palliation of malignant dysphagia and feasibility of endoscopic retrieval. We estimate its dog-bone shaped flanges at both ends and it being completely covered provide good resistance to migration and overgrowth.