title: Stenting as a palliative method in the management of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction.
abstract: Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus and gastroesophageal junction usually requires palliative treatment, and the method of choice is stenting. There are several types of stents currently available, including: self-expandable metallic stents (fully or partially covered); self-expandable plastic stents; biodegradable stents. Each of the mentioned stents has its advantages and limitations, and requires a proper, patient-tailored selection. Due to the close anatomical relationship between the oesophagus and bronchial tree, some patients may require bilateral stenting. Oesophageal stenting may not only be considered as a palliative procedure, but can also be implemented to alleviate dysphagia during preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Surgical Oncology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland; Department of Thoracic and Surgical Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wlodarczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Surgical Oncology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland; Department of Thoracic and Surgical Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Jarosław
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kużdżał
keywords: dysphagia; oesophageal cancer; oesophageal fistula; stenting