Endoscopic palliative intubation of inoperable malignant esophagogastric obstruction.
In patients with obstructive tumors of the esophagus and who cannot undergo curative surgery, endoscopic palliative intubation can provide a quick relief to dysphagia with subsequent improvement of nutritional status. The technical success rate is as high as 95%. Broncho-esophageal fistulas can be occluded by esophageal prosthesis. The most serious complication is perforation, which incidence is 6 to 8%. The other rare complications are bleeding or aspiration pneumonia. The overall survival rate is only 6 months, but with a significant improvement in the quality of life. Endoscopic intubation is now challenged by laser therapy; their specific indications and advantages are discussed.
Buset
M
M
Department of Gastroenterology, Hôpital Universitaire Brugmann, Bruxelles, Belgium.
D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007440:Intubation / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy