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Semin intervent Radiol 2004; 21(3): 157-166
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-860874
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Esophageal Stenting

Andrew S. Lowe1 , Maria B. Sheridan1 , 2
  • 1St James's University Hospital, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
  • 2Consultant Radiologist
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 December 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Malignant obstruction of the esophagus is a debilitating condition, with dysphagia as its main symptom. Many patients present with advanced disease and palliative treatment is the only possibility. Since their widespread introduction 10 years ago, self-expanding metal stents have become accepted as an extremely effective method of palliating malignant dysphagia. Early reports suggesting very low complications have been superseded by results from randomized trials. It is now evident that the complication rate is significant and the need for reintervention can be as high as 50%. Modifications in stent design should reduce this reintervention rate. There are a large number of stent designs now available and it is essential that the interventional radiologist understand the particular strengths and weaknesses of each design, so that the correct choice of stent can be made for a particular patient. The most recent designs include antireflux stents and removable stents. Both represent significant advances and should reduce stent-related complications.

KEYWORDS

Esophageal stents - metallic stents - esophageal cancer

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Dr. Maria B Sheridan

Consultant Radiologist, St James's University Hospital, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust

Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF

United Kingdom

Email: maria.sheridan@leedsth.nhs.uk