A new approach to the management of malignant esophageal obstruction and esophagorespiratory fistula.
Successful palliation of 6 patients with total or nearly total malignant esophageal obstruction is reported. In 5 of the patients, laser vaporization, dilation, and placement of an endoesophageal prosthesis resulted in an esophageal lumen that allowed adequate swallowing of soft food. In 1 patient with an esophagorespiratory fistula, the prosthesis successfully occluded the fistula and prevented aspiration or pulmonary infection until the patient's death. This rapidly achieved endoscopic palliation represents a major advance in the management of a serious medical problem.
Ghazi
A
A
Nussbaum
M
M
D000368:Aged; D004106:Dilatation; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*