Covered nitinol stents for the treatment of esophageal strictures and leaks.
OBJECTIVE
To compare 2 different types of covered esophageal nitinol stents (Ultraflex and Choostent) in terms of efficacy, complications, and long-term outcome.


METHODS
A retrospective review of a consecutive series of 65 patients who underwent endoscopic placement of an Ultraflex stent (n = 33) or a Choostent (n = 32) from June 2001 to October 2009 was conducted.


RESULTS
Stent placement was successful in all patients without hospital mortality. No significant differences in patient discomfort and complications were observed between the Ultraflex stent and Choostent groups. The median follow-up time was 6 mo (inter-quartile range 3-16 mo). Endoscopic reintervention was required in 9 patients (14%) because of stent migration or food obstruction. No significant difference in the rate of reintervention between the 2 groups was observed (P = 0.8). The mean dysphagia score 1 mo after stent placement was 1.9 +/- 0.3 for the Ultraflex stent and 2.1 +/- 0.4 for the Choostent (P = 0.6). At 1-mo follow-up endoscopy, the cover membrane of the stent appeared to be damaged more frequently in the Choostent group (P = 0.34). Removal of the Choostent was possible up to 8 wk without difficulty.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultraflex and Choostent proved to be equally reliable for palliation of dysphagia and leaks. Removal of the Choostent was easy and safe under mild sedation.
Bona
Davide
D
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of General Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan Medical School, 20100 Milano, Italy.
Laface
Letizia
L
Bonavina
Luigi
L
Abate
Emmanuele
E
Schaffer
Moshe
M
Ugenti
Ippazio
I
Siboni
Stefano
S
Carrinola
Rosaria
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000497:Alloys; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D020878:Device Removal; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000497:Alloys; C013616:nitinol
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