A prospective trial of self-expanding metal coated stents in the palliation of malignant dysphagia.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the use of self-expanding metal coated esophageal stents a palliative therapy of malignant dysphagia.


METHODS
We performed a one year prospective study placing 12 stents in 10 patients with malignant dysphagia.


RESULTS
The insertion mean time was lower than 25 min, and most of our patients (70%) reported a good tolerance. Dysphagia score improved immediately and it lasted until death with no occlusions. Complications appeared early, 17% at the time of placement, with one patient having a life-threatening complication. The probability for these patients not to develop any complications after the three first weeks will be about 60%.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-expanding metal coated esophageal stents provide a fast and lasting relief in malignant dysphagia, with a good tolerance.
Service of Digestive Diseases, Santa María Nai-Dr. Cabaleiro Complejo Hospitalario, Orense, Spain.
M L
ML
De Castro
J
J
Fernández-Seara
M
M
Pato
P
P
Pascual
J
J
Pereira
L
L
Domínguez
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015607:Stents