title: Expandable metallic esophageal stents in benign disease: a cause for concern.
abstract: Over a 2-year period at our institution, 6 patients underwent metallic stent treatment, 5 for malignant conditions and 1 for a benign condition of the esophagus. The use of expandable metallic stents for benign strictures has paralleled malignant indications but is limited and less understood from a clinical standpoint. A review of current literature in the treatment of benign strictures is presented. Treatment of benign strictures is associated with high morbidity and mortality as demonstrated by the cumulative experience of 21 patients. Migration, hyperplastic tissue obstruction at the terminal ends, reflux, and complications of perforation occur at a prohibitive rate. We conclude that expandable metallic stents should be reserved for palliative treatment of esophageal malignant obstructions and tracheoesophageal fistulas. Pharmacological management, necessary dilatations and operative corrections (antireflux procedures, esophagectomy) are recommended treatments for benign strictures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Center, Southfield, Mich. USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hramiec
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: O'Shea
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Quinlan
mesh_terms: D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*