Antireflux stents for palliation of malignant esophagocardial stenosis

Endoscopic luminal stenting: Current applications and future perspectives

Endoscopic luminal stenting (ELS) represents a minimally invasive option for the management of malignant obstruction along the gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies have shown that ELS can provide rapid relief of symptoms related to esophageal, gastric, small intestinal, colorectal, biliary, and pancreatic neoplastic strictures without compromising cancer patients’ overall safety. As a result, in both palliative and neoadjuvant settings, ELS has largely surpassed radiotherapy and surgery as a first-line treatment modality. Following the abovementioned success, the indications for ELS have gradually expanded. To date, ELS is widely used in clinical practice by well-trained endoscopists in managing a wide variety of diseases and complications, such as relieving non-neoplastic obstructions, sealing iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic perforations, closing fistulae and treating post-sphincterotomy bleeding. The abovementioned development would not have been achieved without corresponding advances and innovations in stent technology. However, the technological landscape changes rapidly, making clinicians’ adaptation to new technologies a real challenge. In our mini-review article, by systematically reviewing the relevant literature, we discuss current developments in ELS with regard to stent design, accessories, techniques, and applications, expanding the research basis that was set by previous studies and highlighting areas that need to be further investigated.

Anti-reflux versus conventional self-expanding metal stents in the palliation of esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an effective palliative endoscopic therapy to reduce dysphagia in esophageal cancer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a relatively common complaint after non-valved conventional SEMS placement. Therefore, valved self-expanding metal stents (SEMS-V) were designed to reduce the rate of GERD symptoms. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the two stents. Material and methods  This was a systematic review and meta-analysis including only randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing the outcomes between SEMS-V and non-valved self-expanding metal stents (SEMS-NV) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Data were analyzed with Review Manager Software. Quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Results  Ten randomized clinical trials including a total of 467 patients, 234 in the SEMS-V group and 233 in the SEMS-NV group, were included. There were no statistically significant differences regarding GERD qualitative analysis (RD -0.17; 95 % CI -0.67, 0.33; P  = 0.5) and quantitative analysis (SMD -0.22; 95 % CI -0.53, 0.08; P  = 0.15) technical success (RD -0.03; 95 % CI -0.07, 0.01; P  = 0.16), dysphagia improvement (RD -0.07; 95 % CI -0.19, 0.06; P  = 0.30), and adverse events (RD 0.07; 95 % CI -0.07, 0.20; P  = 0.32). Conclusions  Both SEMS-V and SEMS-NV are safe and effective in the palliation of esophageal cancer with similar rates of GERD, dysphagia relief, technical success, adverse events, stent migration, stent obstruction, bleeding, and improvement of the quality of life.

Advances in The Diagnosis and Treatment of Achalasia of The Cardia: a Review

Idiopathic achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder characterized by the loss of the lower esophageal sphincter ganglion, resulting in impaired lower esophageal relaxation and absence of esophageal peristalsis. Patients commonly present with progressive dysphagia accompanied by reflux, heartburn, retrosternal pain, and severe weight loss. Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's chief complaints, barium esophagography, and the most recent high-resolution manometry. Endoscopic assessment and endoscopic ultrasonography also have significant value with regard to the exclusion of esophageal anatomical lesions, neoplastic diseases, and pseudoachalasia. However, as most patients with achalasia demonstrate a gradual onset, early diagnosis is difficult. Currently, treatment of idiopathic achalasia, including pneumatic dilation, stent placement, and surgical myotomy, is aimed at reducing lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relieving the symptoms of dysphagia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy has gradually become the mainstream treatment because it causes less trauma and has a rapid recovery rate. This article reviews the main methods of diagnosis and treatment of achalasia, with an emphasis on the potential of peroral endoscopic myotomy and the advancements of immunotherapy for achalasia.

A phase III, multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial on the performance of a novel esophageal stent with an antireflux valve (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) when deployed across the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) can lead to reflux with risks of aspiration. A SEMS with a tricuspid antireflux valve (SEMS-V) was designed to address this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this stent.

METHODS

A phase III, multicenter, prospective, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients with malignant dysphagia requiring SEMSs to be placed across the GEJ. Patients were randomized to receive SEMSs with no valve (SEMS-NV) or SEMS-V. Postdeployment dysphagia score at 2 weeks and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire score at 4 weeks were measured. Patients were followed for 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were randomized (SEMS-NV: 30 patients, mean age 67 ± 13 years; SEMS-V: 30 patients, mean age 65 ± 12 years). Baseline dysphagia scores (SEMS-NV, 2.5 ± .8; SEMS-V, 2.5 ± .8) and GERD-HRQL scores (SEMS-NV, 11.1 ± 8.2; SEMS-V, 12.8 ± 8.3) were similar. All SEMSs were successfully deployed. A similar proportion of patients in both arms improved from advanced dysphagia to moderate to no dysphagia (SEMS-NV, 71%; SEMS-V, 74%; 95% confidence interval, 1.93 [-17.8 to 21.7]). The dysphagia scores were also similar across all follow-up time points. Mean GERD-HRQL scores improved by 7.4 ± 10.2 points in the SEMS-V arm and by 5.2 ± 8.3 in the SEMS-NV group (P = .96). The GERD-HRQL scores were similar across all follow-up time points. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in 3.3% in the SEMS-NV arm and 6.9% in the SEMS-V arm (P = .61). Migration rates were similar (SEMS-NV, 33%; SEMS-V, 48%; P = .29). Two SEMS-V spontaneously fractured. There was no perforation, food impaction, or stent-related death in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The SEMS-V was equally effective in relieving dysphagia as compared with the SEMS-NV. Presence of the valve did not increase the risks of adverse events. GERD symptom scores were similar between the 2 stents, implying either that the valve was not effective or that all patients on proton pump inhibitors could have masked the symptoms of GERD. Studies with objective evaluations such as fluoroscopy and/or pH/impedance are recommended. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02159898.).

Malignant Bowel Obstruction: Reappraising the Value of Surgery

Urgent palliative surgery in the setting of advanced malignancy is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. Malignant bowel obstruction is the most frequent indication for such intervention. Traditional surgical dogma is often invoked to justify associated risks and cost, but little evidence exists to support surgical over nonsurgical approaches. Evolving evidence may provide more meaningful guidance for treatment selection.

Value in palliative cancer surgery: A critical assessment

Emergency operations are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost compared to elective operations. Palliative and emergent surgery for patients with advanced malignancies is associated with additional risk and remains controversial. Emergent or palliative interventions can be broadly categorized according to indication. Tumor related complications (bleeding, obstruction, or perforation) merit specific consideration, as do specific presentations such as pneumoperitoneum, pneumatosis intestinalis, or peritonitis from other causes that may arise during active therapy for malignancies. Although nonoperative, endoscopic, and interventional treatment modalities are frequently available, surgery remains the only effective therapy in selected situations such as small intestinal obstruction and tumor perforation. Selection of patients for surgery requires consideration of factors including overall prognosis, performance status, and patients' priorities. Selection and risk assessment tools underscore the limited capacity of patients' with higher risk features for durable recovery but do not supplant nuanced clinical judgment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:311-315. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Palliation of Dysphagia in Carcinoma Esophagus

Esophageal carcinoma has a special place in gastrointestinal carcinomas because it contains two main types, namely, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Carcinoma esophagus patients require some form of palliation because of locally advanced stage or distant metastasis, where it cannot be subjected to curable treatment with surgery and chemoradiation. Many modalities of palliation of dysphagia are available, but the procedure with least morbidity, mortality, and long-term palliation of dysphagia needs to be chosen for the patient. This study aims to discuss the recent trends in palliation of dysphagia with promising results and the most suitable therapy for palliation of dysphagia in a given patient. A total of 64 articles that were published between years 2005 and 2015 on various modes of palliation of dysphagia in carcinoma esophagus were studied, which were mainly randomized and prospective studies. Through this study, we conclude that stents are the first choice of therapy for palliation, which is safe and cost-effective, and they can be combined with either radiotherapy or chemotherapy for long-term palliation of dysphagia with good quality of life. Radiotherapy can be used as a second-line treatment modality.

Antireflux versus conventional self-expanding metallic Stents (SEMS) for distal esophageal cancer: results of a multicenter randomized trial

INTRODUCTION

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are commonly used in the palliation of dysphagia in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma. However, they predispose to gastroesophageal reflux when deployed across the gastroesophageal junction. The aims of this study were to: 1) assess the influence of the antireflux valve on trans-prosthetic reflux (primary outcome); and 2) compare the results of SEMS with and without antireflux valve in terms of reflux symptoms, quality of life (QOL), improvement of dysphagia and adverse events (secondary outcomes).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in nine centers. Carcinomas were locally advanced (47 %) or metastatic. After randomization, patients received either a covered SEMS with antireflux valve (n = 20) or a similar type of SEMS with no antireflux device but assigned to standard proton pump inhibitor therapy and postural advice (n = 18). Trans-prosthetic reflux was assessed at day 2 using a radiological score based on barium esophagography performed after Trendelenburg maneuver and graded from 0 (no reflux) to 12 (maximum). Monthly telephone interviews were conducted for Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) scoring from 0 (excellent) to 5 (poor), QOL assessment (based on the Reflux-Qual Simplifié scoring system) from 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent), dysphagia scoring from 0 (no dysphagia) to 5 (complete dysphagia) and regurgitation scoring from 0 (no regurgitation) to 16 (maximum).

RESULTS

No difference was noted in terms of age, sex, size of lesion, prosthesis length or need for dilation prior to SEMS placement. No difficulty in placing SEMS nor complications were noted. Radiological scores of reflux were found to be significantly lower in patients with an antireflux stent compared to the conventional stent and associated measures. The regurgitation scores were significantly decreased in patients with antireflux stents during the first 2 months after stent placement and thereafter, they were similar in the two groups. QOL and dysphagia were improved in both groups. Survival rates were comparable in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No difference was observed between the two types of SEMS regarding the palliation of dysphagia and improvement of QOL. However, SEMS with an antireflux valve were more effective in preventing trans-prosthetic gastroesophageal reflux but at the cost of an increased likehood of minor adverse events (migrations and/or obstruction of the SEMS).

Role of stenting in the palliation of gastroesophageal junction cancer: A brief review

Gastroesophageal junction cancer has an increasing incidence in western countries. It is inoperable when first manifested in more than 50% of cases. So, palliation is the only therapeutic option for the advanced disease to relieve dysphagia and its consequences in weakened patients with an estimated mean survival under 6 mo. This article has tried to identify trends focusing on current information about the best palliative treatment, with an emphasis on the role of stenting. Self-expanding stent placement, either metal or plastic, is the main management option. However, this anatomical location creates some particular problems for stent safety and effectiveness which may be overcome by properly designed novel stents. The stents ensure a good quality of life and must be preferred over other alternative methods of loco-regional modalities, i.e., external radiation, laser thermal or photodynamic therapy. Although stent placement is generally a simple, safe and effective method, there are sometimes complications, increasing the morbidity and mortality rate. Bypass operative procedures have now been abandoned as a first choice. The stomach instead of the colon must be used for a bypass operation when it is needed. Chemotherapy, despite the toxicity, and intraluminal radiation (brachytherapy) have a well-defined role.

Upper gastrointestinal stent

Gastrointestinal (GI) stent has been developed for palliation of obstructive symptoms in various diseases causing obstruction of GI tract. Self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) has replaced old type of plastic stent, and endoscopic insertion of stent has replaced fluoroscopy-guided insertion. Nowadays, newly-designed SEMSs have been developed for prevention of complications such as stent migration and re-obstruction, and indications of stent recently have been widened into benign conditions as well as malignant obstruction. In this review, the types, method of insertion, indications and clinical outcomes of stent in the upper GI tract would be discussed.

Antireflux stents versus conventional stents for management of stenosis of distal esophageal and gastric cardia: An systematic review

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-reflux stents versus conventional stents for the management of stenosis of distal esophageal and gastric cardia in patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)that evaluated anti-reflux stents versus conventional stents in the treatment of stenosis of distal esophageal and gastric cardia in patients with esophageal cancer were electronically searched from the PubMed (1978-2011), EMbase (1966-2011), CBM (1978-2011), Cochrane Library (2011, Issue 11) and CNKI (1979-2011) databases, and relevant published and unpublished data and their references (either in English or Chinese), were also searched manually. The data were extracted and the methodological quality of the incorporated studies was evaluated by two reviewers independently. The RevMan 5.1 software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Five RCTs involving 234 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that anti-reflux stents and conventional stents had no significant differences in terms of the incidences of pain (RR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.06), stent migration (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.50, 2.11), obstruction (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.99), gastroesophageal reflux (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 0.52, 5.48), bleeding (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.44, 4.40), and perforation of the esophagus and stomach (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.25, 2.00).

CONCLUSION: The overall curative efficacy of anti-reflux stents for the stenosis of distal esophageal and gastric cardia in patients with esophageal cancer is not better than that of conventional stents. Because of the generally low quality and a small number of studies in the incorporated research, the above conclusion remains to be validated by carrying out more randomized controlled trials with multiple center samples and enough follow-up time.

Double layered self-expanding metal stents for malignant esophageal obstruction, especially across the gastroesophageal junction

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of double-layered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for treatment of malignant esophageal obstruction according to whether SEMS crosses the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).

METHODS: Forty eight patients who underwent the SEMS insertion for malignant esophageal obstruction were enrolled. Patients were classified as GEJ group (SEMS across GEJ, 18 patients) and non-GEJ group (SEMS above GEJ, 30 patients) according to SEMS position. Double layered (outer uncovered and inner covered stent) esophageal stents were placed.

RESULTS: The SEMS insertion and the clinical improvement were achieved in all patients in both groups. Stent malfunction occurred in seven patients in the GEJ group and nine patients in the non-GEJ group. Tumor overgrowth occurred in five and eight patients, respectively, food impaction occurred in one patient in each group, and stent migration occurred in one and no patient, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Reflux esophagitis occurred more frequently in the GEJ group (eight vs five patients, P = 0.036) and was controlled by proton pump inhibitor. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in zero and five patients, respectively, and tracheoesophageal fistula occurred in zero and two patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Double-layered SEMS are a feasible and effective treatment when placed across the GEJ for malignant esophageal obstruction. Double-layered SEMS provide acceptable complications, especially migration, although reflux esophagitis is more common in the GEJ group.

Technical feasibility and safety of a new, implantable reflux control system to prevent gastroesophageal reflux in patients with stents placed through the lower esophageal sphincter (with video)

BACKGROUND

When an esophageal stent is placed through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), gastroesophageal reflux symptoms may persist despite high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy. A recently developed, short segment, uncovered nitinol stent with a tricuspid-like valve can be placed inside a previously placed esophageal stent.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of a reflux control system (RCS) in distally placed esophageal stents.

DESIGN

A prospective case series.

SETTING

Two tertiary-care referral centers.

PATIENTS

This study involved 10 patients who had an "open" stent placed through the LES and 1 patient with severe bile reflux after esophagojejunostomy.

INTERVENTION

Placement of an RCS with fluoroscopic and (in selected cases) endoscopic guidance, from April to October 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical success of RCS placement and complications.

RESULTS

Placement of an RCS was successful on the first attempt in all patients; complete expansion to the wall of the host stent was confirmed by fluoroscopy in all cases. In 3 patients, the host stent migrated in <1 month with the RCS still inside. In 8 patients, the RCS was in place for a median of 134 days (range 33-225 days). Three patients died because of malignant disease progression. Eight RCSs were removed endoscopically, together with the host stent without complications. RCS migration did not occur.

LIMITATIONS

Small number of patients, nonrandomized design, lack of pH measurements.

CONCLUSION

Placement of an RCS in a host stent is technically feasible and safe. An RCS can be considered in symptomatic patients with open esophageal stents to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Long-term clinical outcomes of self-expanding metal stents for treatment of malignant gastroesophageal junction obstructions and prognostic factors for stent patency: effects of anticancer treatments

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding metal stent has emerged as an effective treatment option for malignant gastroesophageal junction obstruction. However, data on the clinicopathologic factors associated with stent patency are still lacking.

AIM

To investigate the long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors, including treatment modalities, affecting stent patency in patients with malignant gastroesophageal junction obstruction given self-expanding metal stent insertions.

METHODS

A total 89 patients who underwent self-expanding metal stent insertion for malignant gastroesophageal junction obstruction were enrolled. We analysed technical and clinical success rates, complications, and prognostic factors affecting stent patency.

RESULTS

Self-expanding metal stent insertion was successful in all patients and clinical improvement was achieved in 93.3%. Stent malfunction occurred in 32.9% of patients. The median overall survival time and stent patency time were 143 (95% CI: 99-187) and 190 days (95% CI: 108-272), respectively. In multivariate analysis, radiation therapy after stent placement significantly prolonged stent patency (OR: 0.221; 95% CI: 0.055-0.884; p=0.033). A higher migration rate was observed in those patients given chemotherapy after covered self-expanding metal stent placement (no anticancer treatment: 10.0%, chemotherapy: 42.9%, chemoradiation therapy: 9.1%, p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-expanding metal stent is a feasible and effective treatment for malignant gastroesophageal junction obstruction. Radiation therapy after stent placement significantly prolongs overall stent patency and chemotherapy increases the migration rate of covered stents.

Antireflux stent versus conventional stent in the palliation of distal esophageal cancer. A randomized, multicenter clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Patients with incurable distal esophageal or cardia cancer often need palliative stenting to relieve their dysphagia but stents passing through the cardia can cause reflux and aspiration, leading to a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL). This study addressed the hypothesis that antireflux stenting improves HRQL compared to conventional stenting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a single-blind, multicenter, randomized trial in patients with inoperable esophageal or cardia cancer requiring palliative stenting passing through the cardia, 65 patients were stented. Patients received either an antireflux stent (Esophageal Z-Stent with Dua antireflux valve; n = 28) or a conventional stent (Esophageal Z-stent, Ultraflex or Wallstent; n = 37). Validated questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18) were used to collect information on HRQL at baseline and 1 and 3 months after stenting. Main outcome measurements were differences in HRQL scores between baseline and 1 and 3 months after stenting.

RESULTS

Scores for most aspects of HRQL were similar in the two groups, and no statistically significant differences were found. Some general symptoms however showed clinically relevant improvement in the antireflux stent group, while esophageal-specific symptoms such as dysphagia seemed clinically better, and symptoms of reflux were clinically reduced in the conventional stent group but not in the antireflux stent group.

CONCLUSION

This study, although limited in size, provided no obvious support for using the antireflux stent in preference to the conventional stent in the palliation of distal esophageal or cardia cancer from an HRQL perspective.

A new metal stent with a controlled-release system for palliation of malignant dysphagia: a prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding metal stents are frequently used for the palliation of malignant dysphagia. Recently, a new stent design, the Evolution stent (Cook Medical, Limerick, Ireland), was developed. The stent has an internal and external silicone coating to resist tissue ingrowth and uncoated dual flanges on both ends to prevent migration. Its controlled-release system may allow full control and precise positioning of the stent.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and clinical effectiveness of the Evolution stent for the palliation of dysphagia in patients with malignant strictures located in the esophagus (n = 33 [75%]) or gastric cardia (n = 11 [25%]).

METHODS

All patients who underwent placement of an esophageal Evolution stent from February to December 2008 received follow-up telephone calls 14 days after treatment and thereafter monthly until death. Data on technical and clinical outcome, complications, and recurrent dysphagia were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients (32 [73%] men, median age 74 years [range 48-91 years]) were treated with the Evolution stent. The median tumor length was 6 cm (range 1-11 cm). Stent placement was technically successful in 41 patients. Dysphagia improved from a median of 3 (ability to swallow liquids only) to 1 (ability to eat some solid foods) 4 weeks after stent placement. Major complications occurred in 4 (9%) patients, ie, pneumonia (3 patients) and hemorrhage (1 patient). Two (5%) patients died of pneumonia. Minor complications included gastroesophageal reflux and mild retrosternal pain in 11 (25%) and 4 (9%) patients, respectively. Recurrent dysphagia developed in 11 (25%) patients as a result of tissue ingrowth or overgrowth (6 patients; 14%), food impaction (3 patients; 7%), or stent migration (2 patients; 5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The Evolution stent is safe and effective for the palliation of dysphagia from esophageal and gastric cardia cancer. Randomized trials are needed to compare this device with other stent designs.

Double-layered PTFE-covered nitinol stents: experience in 32 patients with malignant esophageal strictures

We evaluated the effectiveness of a double-layered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered nitinol stent in the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal strictures. A double-layered PTFE-covered nitinol stent was designed to reduce the propensity to migration of conventional covered stent. The stent consists of an inner PTFE-covered stent and an outer uncovered nitinol stent tube. With fluoroscopic guidance, the stent was placed in 32 consecutive patients with malignant esophageal strictures. During the follow-up period, the technical and clinical success rates, complications, and cumulative patient survival and stent patency were evaluated. Stent placement was technically successful in all patients, and no procedural complications occurred. After stent placement, the symptoms of 30 patients (94%) showed improvement. During the mean follow-up of 103 days (range, 9-348 days), 11 (34%) of 32 patients developed recurrent symptoms due to tumor overgrowth in five patients (16%), tumor ingrowth owing to detachment of the covering material (PTFE) apart from the stent wire in 3 (9%), mucosal hyperplasia in 2 (6%), and stent migration in 1 (3%). Ten of these 11 patients were treated by means of placing a second covered stent. Thirty patients died, 29 as a result of disease progression and 1 from aspiration pneumonia. The median survival period was 92 days. The median period of primary stent patency was 190 days. The double-layered PTFE-covered nitinol stent seems to be effective for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal strictures. We believe that the double-layer configuration of this stent can contribute to decreasing the stent's migration rate.

Application progress of stent placement in esophageal malignant and benign stenosis

Stent placement is widely used for palliation of dysphagia caused by advanced esophageal carcinoma. As the development of technology, many new stents are being used for clinical therapy. Some stents are added with anti-reflux valve or retrievable device, some are loaded with ¹²⁵I; the biodegradable stent are even invented. Improvement of sents can decrease many complications while elevate survival rates. Several nonsurgical palliative modalities including endoluminal laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, electrocoagulation and brachytherapy are available to recanalize malignant stenosis, but the fastest palliative method is stent placement. Reports about treating benign esophageal stricture with stents are increasing, and temporary and biodegradable stents have a better effect.

Inoperable esophageal cancer and outcome of palliative care

AIM: To determine the outcome of esophageal cancer patients referred for palliative care, in Gorgan and Gonbad gastrointestinal clinics, northeast of Iran.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done on inoperable esophageal cancer cases referred to gastrointestinal clinics in Gorgan and Gonbad city (2005-2006). Demographic data were collected during the procedure and cases were followed up every one month. Improvement proportion was calculated with 95% confidence interval, to determine the rate of improvement. Survival analysis and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate the duration of palliative care effectiveness.

RESULTS: We recruited 39 cases into the study. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most prevalent (92.3%). The middle third of the esophagus was involved predominantly (51.3%). Dilation was the most preferred method (89.7%) and stenting was done in 4 cases. Decreasing dysphagia score was not related to palliation method or pathology type of carcinoma. Age of the patients was significantly related to the improvement of dysphagia score. Mean survival time was 137.6 d and median was 103 d.

CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed a low survival rate after palliative care in esophageal cancer cases despite dysphagia scores’ improvement after dilating or stenting.

Chronic sinusitis and bilateral deafness as a presentation of oesophageal stent failure: case report

OBJECTIVE

We report an extremely rare upper airway complication of oesophageal stent failure.

CASE REPORT

A 58-year-old woman presented four months after having a covered (anti-reflux valve type) oesophageal stent placed for a benign oesophageal stricture. Abdominal radiography showed a broken fragment at the gastroesophageal junction and another fragment in the rectum. On presentation, the patient had pneumonia with sepsis which required intensive care management. After recovery, she developed sinus symptoms of facial pain, green nasal discharge and bilateral hearing loss. ENT review revealed bilateral otitis media with effusion. Flexible naso-endoscopy found a stent fragment lodged in the nasopharynx. The wire mesh fragment was removed under general anaesthetic and bilateral grommets inserted. The patient's symptoms resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature of a broken and migrated oesophageal stent presenting with chronic sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss. This case highlights the importance of examining the upper airways in such cases, and the need for further, long term studies of the complications of metallic, expandable stents.

Palliation of thoracic malignancies

The sequelae of advanced malignancies of the chest, whether primary or metastatic, can be severely debilitating. In this review, we discuss the advances in palliative treatment for several intrathoracic complications of malignancy. The treatment of malignant pleural and pericardial effusions now includes a range of chemical sclerosants and percutaneous or surgical interventions. A new generation of promising stent and ablation technologies allows for the treatment of intrinsic or extrinsic airway obstruction. Similar techniques are being explored for esophageal obstruction, while the possible benefit of palliative radiation and chemotherapy continues to be investigated. Although their symptoms are often severe, patients with advanced thoracic malignancies have a growing number and variety of palliative treatment options to improve their quality of life.