Summary
One hundred endoscopic tube implantations were carried out on 95 patients with malignant esophageal stenosis. Palliative treatment was performed in 43 % of cases because of the advanced stage of the tumor, and in 57 % of cases because of risk factors which made resection inadvisable. Clinical mortality was 16 %, with six deaths caused by technical complications (perforation, arrosion bleeding), and ten by cardiopulmonary problems. Dislodgement or obstruction of the prostheses was observed in 20 % of cases, but could readily be corrected. The median survival time was two months, with 17 % of the patients still alive after six months. Poor general health, advanced age and the presence of distant metastases were established as unfavorable prognostic indications with a significant influence on postoperative mortality. Functional results were good: 87 % of patients were able to eat solid or pulpy food post-operatively.
Key words:
Endoscopic endoprostheses - Palliation - Carcinoma of the esophagus and cardia
