title: Esophageal endoprosthesis therapy.
abstract: Currently various methods for the treatment of obstructing esophageal lesions are used in the endoscopy setting. The placement of an endoscopic esophageal endoprosthesis (stent) offers a palliative form of therapy for esophageal cancer designed to enhance the patient's quality of life. The gastroenterology nurse or associate must be familiar with the various types of prostheses available, methods of insertion and patient care needs related to esophageal stent placement in order to provide optimal patient care. This article offers a review of esophageal endoprosthesis therapy. The various types of endoprostheses utilized in the United States, insertion techniques, advantages and disadvantages of stent placement and implications for patient care will be discussed.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents