[Investigation of the technique of esophageal stent re-implantation].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the causes of failure of esophageal stent implantation and explore technical improvement of re-implantation of esophageal stent (RIES).


METHODS
According to the conditions of the failed stent implantation, 32 patients who required RIES underwent placement of more appropriate esophageal stents with an improved implantation technique. The patients were followed up for 6 months after the operation to evaluate the effects of RIES.


RESULTS
The success rate of the operation was 96.9% in these cases, and the esophageal conditions including stricture and fistula were effectively relieved. During the 6-month follow-up, stent migration occurred in 4 cases (12.5%), and esophageal fistula in the upper edge of the re-implanted stent occurred in 2 cases. No stent loss, bleeding, or stricture was found in these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The improved technique is effective for stent re-implantation after failed esophageal stent implantation with reduced complications associated with esophageal stenting.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. chenqqg@sina.com
Qunqing
Q
Chen
Jian
J
Tong
Fuwei
F
Zhang
Guangxing
G
Liang
Yuanzhou
Y
Wu
Shaobin
S
Li
Yusheng
Y
Yan
D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012086:Reoperation; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome