The use of stents in the management of malignant esophageal strictures.
The majority of patients with intrinsic or extrinsic obstructing esophageal malignancies are not treatable for cure because of an advanced tumor stage at the time of diagnosis or a recurrence after primary curative therapy. Palliative treatment is mainly directed at relieving dysphagia, which is a frequent cause of patient distress and malnutrition. The approach should be rapidly effective, safe, and well tolerated; the period of hospitalization should be limited in view of a life expectancy of only a few months.
Neuhaus
H
H
Medizinische Klinik, Evangelisches Krankenhaus, Düsseldorf, Germany.
D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D015607:Stents