Endoscopy 2004; 36(8): 731-734
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-825668
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Oesophagorespiratory Fistulas as a Complication of Self-Expanding Metal Oesophageal Stents

S.  Hasan1 , D.  Beckly1 , J.  Rahamim1
  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 27 November 2003

Accepted after Revision 16 March 2004

Publication Date:
28 July 2004 (online)

Self-expanding metal oesophageal stents are considered by many to be the ideal palliative treatment for malignant dysphagia, but there have been reports of life-threatening complications associated with their use. We report three cases in which oesophagorespiratory fistulas were caused by the use of these stents.

References

  • 1 Clements W D, Johnston L R, McIlwrath E. et al . Self-expanding stents in malignant dysphagia.  J R Soc Med. 1996;  89 454-456
  • 2 Reed C E. Comparison of different treatments for unresectable esophageal cancer.  World J Surg. 1995;  19 828-835
  • 3 Singhvi R, Abbasakoor F, Manson J M. Insertion of self-expanding metal stents for malignant dysphagia: assessment of a simple endoscopic method.  Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2000;  82 243-248
  • 4 Knyrim K, Wagner H J, Bethge N. et al . A controlled trial of an expansile metal stent for the palliation of esophageal obstruction due to inoperable cancer.  N Engl J Med. 1993;  329 1302-1307
  • 5 Birch J F, White S A, Berry D P, Veitch P S. A cost-benefit comparison of self-expanding metal stents and Atkinson tubes for the palliation of obstructing esophageal tumours.  Dis Esophagus. 1998;  11 172-176
  • 6 Watkinson A F, Ellul J, Entwisle K. et al . Esophageal carcinoma: initial results of palliative treatment with covered self-expanding endoprostheses.  Radiology. 1995;  187 821-827
  • 7 Do Y S, Song H Y, Lee B H. et al . Esophagorespiratory fistula associated with esophageal cancer: treatment with a Gianturco stent tube.  Radiology. 1993;  187 673-677
  • 8 Abe T, Tangoku A, Hayashi H. et al . Esophageal perforation and mediastinal abscess following placement of a covered self-expanding metallic stent and radiation therapy in a cancer patient.  Surg Endosc. 1999;  13 1044-1046
  • 9 de Palma G D, di Matteo E, Romano G. et al . Plastic prosthesis versus expandable metal stents for palliation of inoperable esophageal thoracic carcinoma: a controlled prospective study.  Gastrointest Endosc. 1996;  43 478-482
  • 10 Watkinson A F. Commentary: metallic endoprostheses in oesophageal carcinoma.  Br J Radiol. 1996;  69 1086-1088
  • 11 Lambert R. Treatment of esophagogastric tumors.  Endoscopy. 2003;  35 118-126
  • 12 Dormann A J, Eisendrath P, Wigginghaus B. et al . Palliation of esophageal carcinoma with a new self-expanding plastic stents.  Endoscopy. 2003;  35 207-211

S. Hasan, M. D.

Aston Cottage · Heyford Road · Steeple Aston · Oxfordshire OX25 4SH · UK ·

Fax: + 44-1865-220244

Email: faizashafqat@hotmail.com