Role of covered esophageal stents in malignant esophagorespiratory fistula.
Malignant esophagorespiratory fistulas are distressing for patients who already have a limited prognosis. Palliative treatment by surgical bypass is often unjustified, and although the use of esophageal stents is more appropriate, their results are variable due to their inability to provide a tight seal. We have managed 2 patients with self-expanding covered esophageal stents, which appear to offer excellent prospects for palliation.
Wong
K
K
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, England.
Goldstraw
P
P
D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015607:Stents; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*