Stents in the oesophagus

Abstract

SummaryThe use of self-expanding metal stents can markedly improve the care of patients with inoperable oesophageal malignancy. The stents can be easily introduced without the need for general anaesthesia. They have fewer complications during insertion than rigid stents and fewer complications than laser therapy. With these stents lumens of up to 2.5 cm are easily obtainable. The article considers the type of patient who may be suitable for stenting, the technique of insertion, benefits and complications of their use.

Impacted foreign body in the hypopharynx and oesophagus

“…The types of stents are plastic and metal which are expandable or non-expandable. 1 In recent years the implantation of selfexpanding metal stents is used as a palliative therapy for dysphagia secondary to malignant oesophageal strictures. The metal stent has a highly exibility and can be easily manipulated and inserted.…”