A prospective trial of a new self-expanding plastic stent for malignant esophageal obstruction

Endoscopic Management of Luminal Strictures: Beyond Dilation

Luminal strictures can occur as part of many different gastrointestinal (GI) disorders anywhere along the GI tract and affect all age groups. The end goal of managing any stricture is to re-establish an adequate and durable luminal patency that is sufficient to resolve the presenting clinical symptoms. Treatment options can be generally categorized into medical, endoscopic, and surgical. However, within each of these categories, multiple different options are available. Therefore, choosing the best treatment modality is often challenging and depends on multiple factors including the type, location, and complexity of the stricture, as well as the preference of the treating physician. In this article, we will review the most current literature regarding foregut strictures, particularly esophageal and gastric, beyond dilation.

Covered metallic stent for the treatment of malignant esophageal fistula combined with stricture

Background

Esophageal fistula and stricture is rare but life-threatening complication for esophageal cancer. The management of esophageal fistula and stricture remains challenging. We aimed to determine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of covered metallic stent and three tubes placement for the management of esophageal fistula and stricture.

Methods

Between May 2012 and March 2018, all patients with esophageal fistula and stricture were treated using three tubes or covered metallic stent placement. Patients in group A received covered stents and three tubes placement. Patients in group B only received three tubes placement. Continue abscess drainage and nutritional support was performed after procedure. Three tubes or esophageal stents were removed once esophageal fistula heals. The related medical records were retrospectively assessed.

Results

Thirty-seven consecutive patients with esophageal fistula and stricture were enrolled, including 26 patients in group A and 11 patients in group B. Stent placement procedure was technically successful in 25 patients (96.2%). A total of 42 covered stents were inserted. Seventeen esophageal stents were successfully removed from 10 patients. The median retention duration was 3.3 months and 3.4 months for stent and abscess drainage tubes, respectively. One perioperative death due to massive hemorrhage was observed 21 days after stent placement. The abscess cavity was decreased or disappeared in 17 cases and 4 cases in group A and group B, respectively. During follow up, patients in group A still showed a significant better condition of normal diet than that in group B (p < 0.05). Fourteen patients died of cancer recurrence, 3 patients died of massive digestive bleeding and 2 patients died of severe pulmonary infection. The median survivals were 14.8 months and 13.2 months for group A and group B, respectively.

Conclusions

Covered metallic stent placement is safe, feasible and efficacious for treatment of esophageal fistula and stricture, with a better condition of normal diet than patients only received three tubes placement.

Self-expanding segmental radioactive metal stents for palliation of malignant esophageal strictures

BACKGROUND

Traditional metal stents are not always suitable for patients with circuitous malignant esophageal stricture.

PURPOSE

We aimed to report the safety and effectiveness of stent insertion using self-expanding segmental radioactive metal stent in the palliation of malignant esophageal stricture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients who underwent insertion of segmental radioactive metal stents from November 2016 to March 2019. Technical success, dysphagia score, and complications were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the survival time.

RESULTS

The stenting procedure was successful in all 22 patients with no procedure-related deaths. Twenty-four segmental radioactive metal stents were successfully implanted. A total of 6 (27.3%) complications were found, mainly 5 (22.7%) stent migrations. The median follow-up period was 3.3 months. Stent removal was required in 4 (12.5%) patients due to complete stent migration. The mean dysphagia score decreased significantly after stent insertion (P<0.0001). During follow up, 13 patients survived with no obvious clinical symptom and nine patients died. The mean survival was 9.9 months.

CONCLUSION

The stenting procedure using self-expanding segmental radioactive metal stents is safe and effective in dysphagia palliation of malignant esophageal stricture.

Three-dimensional printed 5-fluorouracil eluting polyurethane stents for the treatment of oesophageal cancers

3D printing is introduced as rapid and facile approach to prepare personalized drug-eluting stents for the treatment of oesophageal cancers.

A novel fully covered self-expandable segmental metallic stents for the treatment of refractory esophageal stenosis

Background

The conventional esophageal stent is not flexible enough for refractory or circuitous esophageal stenosis. After stent placement, the bending stress may stimulate tissue proliferation in both ends of the stent, causing restenosis, severe bleeding or fistula. A fully covered self-expandable segmental stent was designed and used to overcome such shortcoming. This study aims to study the safety and effectiveness of the fully covered self-expandable segmental metallic stents placement in palliation of dysphasia in patients with refractory esophageal stenosis.

Methods

Retrospective study of hospital records of a consecutive series of 24 patients who underwent placement of fully covered segmental stent from March 2015 to April 2018 was conducted. All procedure was performed under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance. Esophagography was performed by orally take of iodine contrast agent. A 5F catheter and a stiff guide wire were introduced in the esophagus. A fully covered segmental stent was delivered and implanted along the stiff guide wire. The upper endoscopy and chest computed tomography scan were used for the assessment of the location and length of stenosis on admission and during follow-up. The technical success and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

Stent placement was successful in all patients without procedure-related deaths. Twenty-four covered segmental stents were implanted. A total of eight major complications (33.3%) were found, and stent migration was the most common complication (16.7%). The median follow-up time was 4.5 months (interquartile range: 0.8-14.0 months). Adjustment was required in 3 patients (12.5%) due to stent migration. The mean dysphagia score before stenting and end of follow-up was 3.3±0.5 and 1.0±1.6 (P<0.0001). Four covered segmental stents were removed due to stent migration or intolerance.

Conclusions

Stenting using novel fully covered self-expandable segmental metallic stent is safe and effective in dysphagia palliation of refractory esophageal stenosis.

Modified Type of Double-Covered Self-Expandable Segmental Metallic Stents for Palliation of Esophageal Fistula

Purpose: To study the modified type of double-covered self-expandable segmental metallic stents in terms of efficacy, complications, and long-term outcomes. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of 24 patients who underwent placement of the modified stent from July 2013 to July 2018 was conducted. Twenty-five modified segmental stents were implanted. Data regarding technical success and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Stent placement was successful in all patients with no perioperative procedure-related deaths. The median follow-up time was 10.3 months (interquartile range 6.3-23.5 months). Adjustment was required in 9 patients (37.5%) due to stent migration. The mean dysphagia scores before stenting and during follow-up were 3.6 ± 0.7 and 0.9 ± 1.6, respectively (P < .0001). Fifteen modified stents were removed due to complications or cure. Conclusion: Modified double-covered self-expandable segmental metallic stents are safe and effective for palliation of esophageal fistula.

Safety and efficacy of oesophageal stenting with simultaneous percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy as a supplementary feeding route in unresectable proximal oesophageal cancer

Introduction

Proximally located oesophageal cancer poses an especially difficult problem in terms of restoration of patency and the stenting procedure. Supplementary percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) may be useful in these patients.

Aim

To assess the safety of the stenting procedure in the proximal oesophagus in patients with unresectable upper oesophageal cancer, performed simultaneously with PEG insertion.

Material and methods

Patients with obstructing upper oesophageal tumours were scheduled for an oesophageal stenting procedure and simultaneous PEG insertion. Degree of dysphagia, body weight loss, daily energy requirement, body mass index and performance status before and after the stenting procedure as well as complications were assessed.

Results

Forty-five patients aged 19-88 years were included in the study. Six of them had a fistula to the trachea and underwent stenting of the oesophagus or both the oesophagus and the airway. The technical success rate was 100%. Following the procedure all patients were able to swallow fluids and semi-liquids, and PEG was used as the primary feeding route. Body mass index increased from 20.4 to 21.1 (p = 0.0001), body weight gain improved from -10.1 to +2.0 kg and metabolic requirements improved (p = 0.0001). Also, the Karnofsky score improved significantly (56.7 vs. 65.1, p = 0.0001). Mean survival time was 133 days (range: 36-378).

Conclusions

Stenting of the proximal oesophagus with simultaneous PEG is a safe procedure, allowing the patients to resume oral intake of liquids whilst improving nutritional status and general performance, with an acceptable rate of complications.

Fully covered stents are similar to semi-covered stents with regard to migration in palliative treatment of malignant strictures of the esophagus and gastric cardia: results of a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Stent migration is a significant clinical problem in palliation of malignant strictures in the esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ). We have compared a newer design of a fully-covered stent to a widely used semi-covered stent using migration >20 mm as the primary outcome variable. Effects on dysphagia, quality of life (QoL) and re-intervention frequency were also investigated.

Methods

Patients with dysphagia due to non-curable esophagus/GEJ cancer were randomized to receive either a more recent design of a fully-covered stent (n = 48) or a conventional semi-covered stent (n = 47). Chest x-ray, dysphagia and QoL were studied at baseline, one week, four weeks and three months thereafter.

Results

There were no significant differences either in stent migration distance or in the migration frequency. Stent migration during the total study period occurred in 37.2 % in the semi-covered group compared to 20.0 % for the fully-covered group. Dysphagia was measured with Watson and Ogilvie scores and with the dysphagia module in the QoL scale (QLQ-OG25). On average, there was a tendency to better dysphagia relief for the fully-covered design as scored with the two latter dysphagia instruments (p= 0.081 and p= 0.067) at three months and towards more re-interventions in the semi-covered group (p= 0.083).

Conclusion

In spite of its somewhat lower intrinsic radial force, the fully-covered stent was comparable to the conventional semi-covered stent with regard to stent migration. The data further suggest a potential benefit of the fully-covered stent in improving dysphagia in patients with longer life expectancy.

History of the Use of Esophageal Stent in Management of Dysphagia and Its Improvement Over the Years

The art and science of using stents to treat dysphagia and seal fistula, leaks and perforations has been evolving. Lessons learnt from the deficiencies of previous models led to several improvements making stent deployment easier, and with some designs, it was also possible to remove the stents if needed. With these improvements, besides malignant dysphagia, newer indications for using stents emerged. Unfortunately, despite several decades of evolution, as yet, there is no perfect stent that "fits all." This article is an overview of how this evolution process happened and where we are currently with using stents to manage patients with dysphagia and with other esophageal disorders.

Esophageal stents for the treatment of malignant dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are the current standard for relief of malignant esophageal dysphagia. Self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) are also used for relief of malignant esophageal dysphagia and as neoadjuvant therapy due to their relative ease of removability. The innovations in design of both SEMS and SEPS have made their use more prevalent in patients with malignant dysphagia. We review the current literature on esophageal stents, including general concepts, indications, contraindications, SEMS and SEPS models, complications and their management, implications of tumor location, cost-effectiveness of stents in comparison with other modalities, and quality of life after stent placement.

Esophageal stents in malignant and benign disorders

Endoscopic stent placement is an effective palliative treatment for malignant dysphagia and fistula, leading to rapid symptom relief. However, recurrent dysphagia and other stent-related complications are common, for which reason continuously new design modifications are implemented. Although some of these changes facilitate stent placement, complications remain and occur at similar rates. Recently, stents have also been used in benign esophageal disorders. Covered stents have the ability to effectively seal esophageal perforations and leaks, reducing the need for invasive surgery. This benefit does not pertain to patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures, in whom stents have limited long-term effect and are associated with a high complication rate. The initial results of fully covered metal stents in refractory esophageal variceal bleeding are encouraging, but their definite role remains to be further elucidated. This review provides an overview of indications, techniques, and management of complications of stents in malignant and benign esophageal disease.

Enteral stents

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Technology Committee provides reviews of existing, new, or emerging endoscopic technologies that have an impact on the practice of GI endoscopy. Evidence-based methodology is used, with a MEDLINE literature search to identify pertinent clinical studies on the topic and a MAUDE (U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health) database search to identify the reported complications of a given technology. Both are supplemented by accessing the "related articles" feature of PubMed and by scrutinizing pertinent references cited by the identified studies. Controlled clinical trials are emphasized, but in many cases, data from randomized, controlled trials are lacking. In such cases, large case series, preliminary clinical studies, and expert opinions are used. Technical data are gathered from traditional and Web-based publications, proprietary publications, and informal communications with pertinent vendors. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are drafted by 1 or 2 members of the ASGE Technology Committee, reviewed and edited by the committee as a whole, and approved by the Governing Board of the ASGE. When financial guidance is indicated, the most recent coding data and list prices at the time of publication are provided. For this review, the MEDLINE database was searched through August 2010 for articles related to enteral, esophageal, duodenal, and colonic stents. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are scientific reviews provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Technology Status Evaluation Reports are not rules and should not be construed as establishing a legal standard of care or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment or payment for such treatment.

Expandable metal stents: principles and tissue responses

Expandable stents are widely used in gastroenterology. The basic principle of all of these devices is that they can be constrained onto a delivery system of small diameter and then deployed in an area of stenosis without the risk of complications due to excessive dilation. Understanding tissue responses to stents is important both for the design of new stents and for clinicians to balance the benefits and risks of covered and uncovered stents. With biodegradable stents and removable stents, understanding tissue responses provides the basis for timing of removal and assessing treatment response.

Fully covered Alimaxx esophageal metal stents in the endoscopic treatment of benign esophageal diseases

BACKGROUND

Expandable esophageal stents are widely used for the palliation of dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer and are also beginning to be used in patients with benign esophageal diseases such as refractory strictures and fistulas. There is concern regarding the increased risk of migration of the fully covered Alimaxx metal esophageal stent and experience with this stent in benign esophageal pathology has been reported in only a small series of patients.

AIMS

To evaluate the technical success in placement and removal, efficacy and complications of the Alimaxx esophageal stent for benign esophageal diseases.

METHODS

Our endoscopy database was retrospectively reviewed from 1/2003 to 2/2009 to identify patients with Alimaxx esophageal stent placement for benign diseases. Chart review was performed for age, gender, indication, site of the lesion, success of placement, outcome, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight stents were successfully placed in 14 patients with benign esophageal diseases (mean: two stents/patient; range 1-7). Indications included esophageal fistula in seven (50%) and benign strictures in 7/14 (50%). Dysphagia improved in all patients while the fistula resolved in 6/7 (85.8%) patients. Complications related to stents included pain (2/28, 7%), stent related gastric ulcer (1/28, 4%), nausea and vomiting (3/21, 11%) and stent migration (11/28, 39%). All migrated stents were successfully endoscopically retrieved.

CONCLUSIONS

The fully covered and removable Alimaxx stent is effective in the endoscopic management of benign esophageal strictures or fistulas, despite its relatively high rate of migration. Stent migration was successfully managed endoscopically without complications.

Role of esophageal stents in benign and malignant diseases

These recommendations provide an evidence-based approach to the role of esophageal stents in the management of benign and malignant diseases. These guidelines have been developed under the auspices of the American College of Gastroenterology and its Practice Parameters Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. The following guidelines are based on a critical review of the available scientific literature on the topic identified in Medline and PubMed (January 1992-December 2008) using search terms that included stents, self-expandable metal stents, self-expandable plastic stents, esophageal cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal stricture, perforations, anastomotic leaks, tracheoesophageal fistula, and achalasia. These guidelines are intended for use by health-care providers and apply to adult, but not pediatric, patients. As with other practice guidelines, these guidelines are not intended to replace clinical judgment but rather to provide general guidelines applicable to the majority of patients. Clinicians need to integrate recommendations with their own clinical judgment, and with individual patient circumstances, values, and preferences. They are intended to be flexible, in contrast to standards of care, which are inflexible policies designed to be followed in every case. Specific recommendations are based on relevant published information. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations have been assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, which is a system that has been adopted by multiple national and international societies. The GRADE system is based on a sequential assessment of quality of evidence, followed by assessment of the balance between benefits vs. downsides (harms, burden, and costs) and subsequent judgment regarding the strength of recommendation.

Temporary placement of self-expanding oesophageal stents as bridging for neo-adjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND

Placement of self-expanding stents is an effective palliation for dysphagia in non-resectable oesophageal or proximal gastric cancer. The aim of this analysis was to assess the efficacy of temporary stent placement for dysphagia relief during neo-adjuvant treatment for locally advanced disease.

METHODS

A total of 38 patients scheduled for neo-adjuvant chemo(radio)therapy for locally advanced oesophageal cancer (n = 29), cardia cancer (n = 8) or subcardial gastric cancer (n = 1) underwent placement of self-expanding plastic stents (n = 13) or covered metal stents (n = 25) due to severe dysphagia and weight loss.

RESULTS

Instant dysphagia relief was achieved in 37 (97.4%) of 38 patients. Dysphagia scores declined from mean 3.0 +/- 0.7 before stent placement to 0.6 +/- 0.9 at restaging. After completion of the neo-adjuvant therapy 20 (52.6%) of the 38 patients underwent resection of the tumour, 5 patients (13.2%) underwent primary resection without receiving chemotherapy while 12 patients (31.6%) did not undergo surgery. Stent-related complications were observed as perforation (n = 1), mediastinitis (n = 1), tracheo-oesophageal fistula (n = 2), bleeding (n = 1) and jejunal perforation caused by a migrated stent (n = 1). Serum albumin significantly decreased in patients with progressive disease despite successful stenting (40.0 +/- 4.9 mg/dl versus 29.7 +/- 6.4 mg/dl, p < 0.05) while stable albumin levels were found in patients who underwent surgery (39.9 +/- 4.3 mg/dl versus 39.1 +/- 3.8 mg/dl, p = 0.484).

CONCLUSION

Placement of self-expanding stents is highly effective for instant dysphagia relief, enabling adequate oral nutrition during neo-adjuvant therapy, but is limited by a high re-intervention rate.

Characteristics of esophagorespiratory fistulas resulting from esophageal cancers: a single-center study on 243 cases in a 20-year period

BACKGROUND

Esophagorespiratory fistulas are serious complications of esophageal tumors. The main goal of this study was to reveal their characteristics.

METHODS

In the period between 1984 and 2004, 243 fistulas were diagnosed among the 1993 patients with esophageal cancer. Comparing the characteristic data of patients with and without fistula (demographics, symptoms, duration time of symptoms, morphologic features, histology, metastases, staging), multivariance analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Patients with fistula were divided into two additional groups (I, n = 82; II, n = 161 cases) with cluster analysis. The difference between these two groups was also significant.

RESULTS

It was possible to perform a palliative endoscopic intubation in 176 cases, while 62 patients could be treated only supportively. The average survival was 3.4 and 1.2 months, respectively. Fistula was a late complication of tumor in two thirds (66.3%) of the cases, while in 33.7% it was diagnosed in younger patients at the early stage of the disease, with a more aggressive, less differentiated histology. In these patients the weight loss, the grade of dysphagia, and the size of the tumor were smaller, the possibilities of treatment were fewer, and survival time was shorter (2.1 vs. 3.1 months).

CONCLUSIONS

These tumors seem to be specific forms of esophageal cancers. For a better quality of life and longer survival time for these patients, there should be earlier diagnosis and endoscopic intubation as the best palliative treatment should be performed.

Self-expanding plastic stents for inoperable malignant strictures of the cervical esophagus

Dysphagia and respiratory complications are the major problems in patients suffering from malignant strictures of the cervical esophagus. In inoperable cases, interventional palliation is the cornerstone of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) in this group of patients. In a retrospective study, 23 patients suffering from various malignant obstructive diseases of the cervical esophagus, including squamous cell carcinoma (n = 10), laryngeal cancer (n = 7), lung cancer with esophageal invasion (n = 5), and metastatic breast cancer (n = 1), underwent SEPS placement, under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Tracheoesophageal fistula was documented in five patients. Technical success rate, improvement of dysphagia grade, and stent-related complications were evaluated after stent placement. Stent insertion was successfully achieved in all cases, namely in 20 patients at the first stent placement attempt and in three patients after a second attempt. Dysphagia grade was notably improved after 24 h. In two cases, major complications occurred. These were successfully treated without the need of stent extraction. Barium swallowing studies demonstrated complete sealing of all fistulas. Foreign-body sensation that gradually disappeared within the first week after stent placement was observed in eight patients. Recurrence of dysphagia occurred in three patients, due to hyperplastic tissue proliferation (n = 2) and tumor overgrowth (n = 1). Late migration of the stent was detected in one case after 67 days. SEPS placement is an effective and safe palliative treatment for malignant strictures of the cervical esophagus. Main advantages include easy retrievability and reduced rates of reinterventions.

Self-expanding plastic esophageal stents versus jejunostomy tubes for the maintenance of nutrition during neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in patients with esophageal cancer: a retrospective study

In patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer, the inability to eat may severely impair nutritional status. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the efficacy of the Polyflex self-expanding silicone stent (PS) versus a jejunostomy tube (JT) for maintaining nutrition during neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in patients with esophageal cancer who were scheduled for resectional surgery. Thirty-six patients were treated either with PS placement (12 patients) or JT placement (24 patients) prior to receiving an 8-week course of chemoradiation therapy. Patients were interviewed weekly until cessation of therapy. Patient data were collected on procedural success and complication rates, nutritional status, and dysphagia scores. PS placement was successful in 11 of 12 patients (92%), and those 11 patients were able to resume oral nutrition. Dysphagia scores improved from a mean of 3 to 1 in the PS group (P < 0.005) but did not change significantly in the JT group. PS were removed endoscopically without complications prior to the esophagectomies. Albumin levels and weight increased significantly in both the PS and JT groups. There were no significant differences between groups in the procedural success rates (PS 92% vs. JT 100%, P = 0.33), complication rates (PS 22% vs. JT 4%, P = 0.11), mean increase in weight (PS 4.4 kg vs. JT 4.2 kg, P = 0.59), and mean increase in serum albumin (PS 0.62 g/dL vs. JT 0.44 g/dL, P = 0.05). PS is a safe and effective alternative to a surgical JT for maintaining nutrition in this subset of patients.

[Pathological characteristics of esophago-respiratory fistulas of esophageal tumor origin]

Esophago-respiratory fistulas, evolving as a result of esophageal tumors, are serious and lethal complications on account of the constant respiratory contamination and the inability to swallow. They can develop either as the complication of the end stage disease or sometimes even in the first stage of the malignancy. The objective was to reveal the characteristics of the disease. In a prospective single-center study in the period between 1984 and 2004, 243 fistulas were diagnosed. Their data were analyzed using multivariate analysis. The mean age of patients with fistula was 56.9 years, the male-to-female ratio was 4.3:1. The average time of the complaints was 5.2 months, while the time of manifestation of the fistula was 7.5 months. Dysphagia was diagnosed in 97.5% of the patients, fever in 36.9%, and cachexia in 59.5%, respectively. The average loss of weight was 10.4 kg and the average size of the tumor was 7.7 cm. Endoscopic intubation was performed in 176 cases. The average survival was 3.4 months. Patients with fistula were divided into two groups, where the characteristics of the disease were significantly different. Only in 66.3% was the fistula a late complication. In the other 33.7% of the cases the fistula was diagnosed in younger patients at the early stage of the disease, with a more aggressive, less differentiated histology. In these patients the weight loss, the grade of dysphagia and the size of the tumor were smaller, the possibilities of treatment were fewer, and survival were shorter.

Self-expanding plastic stents in treatment of benign esophageal conditions

BACKGROUND

Recently, self-expanding plastic stents (SEPSs) have been proposed for the treatment of benign esophageal disease.

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to review our experience with SEPSs in patients with benign esophageal conditions.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective case review of patients who underwent SEPS placement for benign esophageal disease, including (1) benign stricture, including reflux disease, ischemia, and idiopathic, (2) radiation-induced strictures, (3) anastomotic strictures, and (4) esophageal leak/fistulae.

PATIENTS

Nineteen male and 11 female patients (average age 52.1 years, range 11-87 years) underwent SEPS placement.

INTERVENTIONS

SEPS placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Initial complications, stent migration, long-term complications, and treatment success according to clinical symptoms, follow-up endoscopy, or imaging.

RESULTS

Eighty-three of 84 SEPS placements were successful. The most common complications were chest pain, dysphagia, nausea, and vomiting. No deaths were reported from stent placement. Stent migration was more frequent in proximal (30/44 stents, 68.1%) and distal (19/27 stents, 70.4%) compared with mid esophageal (3/10 stents, 30%). Migration was more frequent in stents placed for benign strictures (18/22 stents, 81.8%), anastomotic strictures (18/24 stents, 75%), and fistulae/leak (13/22 stents, 59.1%) compared with radiation-induced strictures (4/14 stents, 28.6%). Only 5 of 83 interventions (6%) resulted in long-term improvement after stent removal.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective review, and patients were selected from a tertiary medical center.

CONCLUSION

Use of SEPSs for benign esophageal conditions resulted in frequent stent migration and few cases of long-term improvement. Further investigation is warranted to identify optimal patient populations and to guide future recommendations for the use of SEPSs.

Palliative total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (TPLE) as a palliative procedure for achieving oral intake without tube placement.

BACKGROUND

Patients with head and neck cancers require airway maintenance achieved by the placement of a tracheostomy tube and nutrition provided through a gastric fistula or a central vein, which may markedly decrease the quality of life (QOL) of the patients.

CASES

Two patients with cervical esophageal cancer are described. The first patient was a 69-year-old male with cervical esophageal cancer with vertebral invasion, for which complete resection was not possible. Following TPLE, oral intake was initiated on post-operative day 9 and was maintained for 138 days. The second patient was a 73-year-old male with recurrent cervical esophageal cancer and unresectable lymph node metastasis for which lymph node dissection was not applicable. Following TPLE, oral intake was initiated on post-operative day 7 and was maintained for 199 days. Both patients were satisfied with the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The QOL of the two patients was improved following the restoration of oral intake ability. Palliative TPLE may be appropriate for patients with advanced head and neck cancers.

A randomized prospective comparison of self-expandable plastic stents and partially covered self-expandable metal stents in the palliation of malignant esophageal dysphagia

OBJECTIVES

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) provide effective palliation in patients with malignant dysphagia, although severe complications and mortality may result. We performed a prospective controlled trial to compare a new self-expanding polyester mesh stent (Polyflex) with SEMS (Ultraflex).

METHODS

One hundred one patients with unresectable esophageal carcinoma were randomized to placement of a Polyflex (N=47) or a partially covered Ultraflex (N=54) stent. Patients with esophagogastric junction (EGJ) malignancy were excluded.

RESULTS

Placement was successful in 46 (98%) patients with the Polyflex and 54 (100%) patients with the Ultraflex stent. In one patient, the Polyflex stent could not be placed. After 1 wk, dysphagia was improved by at least 1 grade in 100% of the Polyflex group and in 94% of the Ultraflex group. Major complications were observed in 48% of the Polyflex group and 33% of the Ultraflex group. Intraprocedural perforation occurred in 1 Polyflex and 1 Ultraflex patient. Two Polyflex patients had postprocedural hemorrhage. Twenty (44%) patients with a Polyflex stent and 18 (33%) with an Ultraflex stent had recurrent dysphagia because of tumor overgrowth, stent migration, hyperplastic granulomatous reaction, or food bolus impaction. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly higher complication rate with Polyflex than with Ultraflex stents (odds ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.4). However, median survival was 134 days with Polyflex and 122 days with Ultraflex stents (P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

No difference was seen in palliation of dysphagia between the two stents. Significantly more complications, especially late stent migration, were observed in the Polyflex group.

Self-expanding Polyflex plastic stents in esophageal disease: various indications, complications, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Esophageal stenting has become an important technique in the treatment of different clinical problems such as malignant or benign stenosis, anastomotic leaks after surgery, or fistulas. In this study we present our experience with the self-expanding Polyflex plastic stent in various indications, arising complications, and patient's outcomes.

METHODS

Over a three-year period, 35 patients underwent self-expanding Polyflex plastic stent placement for esophageal stenosis (n = 23) with 22 malignant, and for perforations, fistulas, or anastomotic leaks after surgery (n = 12). The short-term efficacy and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

In patients with stenosis, implantation was performed without any complications in 91% (21/23). In one patient perforation occurred while passing the stenosis; in another patient the stent dislocated during the insertion procedure. Dysphagia score improved from 3.0 to 1.0 after stenting. In all patients with perforations, fistulas, or anastomotic leaks (n = 12), stents were placed successfully without any complication. Complete sealing of the mucosal defect was proven by radiography in 92% (n = 11) and healing was seen in 42% (n = 5). If indicated, stent removal was performed without any complications. Stent migration (n = 13; 37%) was the most common long-term complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The placement of self-expanding Polyflex plastic stents is a highly sufficient and cost-effective treatment for malignant and benign esophageal disorders. Because the long-term results were highly favorable, self-expanding plastic stent placement could be used as the initial treatment for various conditions.

Polyflex stents for malignant oesophageal and oesophagogastric stricture: a prospective, multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

Dysphagia is the most distressing symptom in patients with cancer-related oesophageal obstruction. Endoscopic palliation aims to restore swallowing, avoid reintervention and to reduce hospitalization. This study reports an experience with a new self-expandable plastic stent (Polyflex) in patients with unresectable oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction cancer.

METHODS

Sixty patients were prospectively collected. The cause of obstruction was oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (44) and adenocarcinoma (eight), lung cancer (seven) and thyroid tumour (one).

RESULTS

The stent was successfully placed in 59 patients. Early minor complications occurred in 19 patients (32%), and major complications in 13 (22%). Death occurred in three patients owing to pulmonary embolism (one) and massive haemorrhage (two). Recurrent dysphagia for early stent migration was observed in seven patients. Delayed stent migration occurred in five patients and tumour overgrowth in eight patients. The mean dysphagia score of 2.8 improved to a mean score of 1.0 after stenting (P<0.001). Overall median survival time was 4.6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that Polyflex stents are competitive with metal stents, with similar efficacy but lower cost. Technical improvements, however, are required to make these stents more user friendly. Large randomized clinical studies are needed to guide in the choice among the different available stents.

Expandable polyester silicon-covered stent for malignant esophageal strictures before neoadjuvant chemoradiation: a pilot study

Patients with resectable esophageal cancer often require placement of a surgical jejunostomy tube prior to receiving chemoradiation so as to maintain adequate nutrition due to their inability to swallow and eat. This study reports a single institutional experience with the Polyflex self-expanding silicone stent (Riisch; Kernen. Germany) in patients with malignant stenosis receiving chemoradiation prior to esophagectomy. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized study of 6 patients who underwent Polyflex esophageal stent placement across a malignant stricture prior to receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The study assessed procedural success, restoration of oral nutrition, migration, and removal of the Polyflex stent. The outcomes measured were the efficacy of treatment, stent-related complications, and changes in the nutritional status of the patient after stent placement. Stent placement was successful in 5 of 6 patients (83%). Restoration of oral nutrition after stent placement occurred in 5 of 5 patients (100%). Migration of the stent into the stomach occurred in 3 patients (60%) without occurrence of gastric outlet obstruction; there was no proximal migration. Stents were successfully removed endoscopically or at the time of esophagectomy. This early experience suggests that the removable silicone Polyflex stent is an effective alternative to a surgical jejunostomy tube for the management of malignant esophageal stenosis in patients for whom neoadjuvant chemoradiation is planned prior to esophagectomy.

Evolving role of self-expanding metal stents in the treatment of malignant dysphagia and fistulas

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are touted as the cornerstone of endoscopic palliation of unresectable esophageal cancer. However, usage at MD Anderson has fallen in recent years, despite a greater volume of patients with esophageal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To compare our more recent experience with that of earlier reported institutional experience and to assess how esophageal stent use has evolved.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

SETTING

A tertiary referral cancer center.

PATIENTS

Ninety-seven patients with malignant dysphagia who had SEMS placed from 2000 to 2003.

INTERVENTIONS

Placement of SEMS for malignant disease.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS

Dysphagia scores, overall survival, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Dysphagia scores improved in 86%, and tracheoesophageal fistula symptoms improved in 90%. Complications were seen in a majority of the patients and major complications in 37%. Ten patients had hematemesis, migrations occurred in 5, and early unexpected deaths in 2. Adenocarcinoma and female sex were factors associated with increased odds of a major complication. Prior chemoradiation, age, stricture location, and length were not associated with complications. Median survival was 77 days.

LIMITATIONS

Noncomparative retrospective single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS fall short of an ideal palliative method, because complications that require additional intervention are frequent. Usage has declined despite higher numbers of patients with esophageal cancer. However, for patients with tracheoesophageal fistulas, SEMS are the treatment of choice. For patients who are not candidates for chemoradiation or who failed to achieve adequate palliation with such therapy, SEMS offer a viable, albeit imperfect, endoscopic approach.

Self-expanding stents in oesophageal cancer

The main therapeutic concern in patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer is palliation of dysphagia. Self-expandable metal stents are widely used because they are safer than conventional plastic stents, offer rapid relief from dysphagia and may seal off tracheo-oesophageal fistulae. Self-expanding metal stents, particularly when uncovered, are, however, associated with the disadvantage of tumour ingrowth. Self-expandable plastic stents are entirely covered and easy to reposition in case of migration and usually induce less inflammatory proliferation at their flanges when compared with metal stents. The major disadvantage of the current version of plastic stents is the large diameter and stiffness of the stent delivery system when compared with metal stents. Therefore, plastic stents are more difficult to place in patients with angulated strictures or with tumours located in the cervical oesophagus near the upper sphincter.

Temporary esophageal stenting allows healing of esophageal perforations following atrial fibrillation ablation procedures

BACKGROUND

Left atrial catheter ablation (LACA) has emerged as a successful method to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent reports have described atrio-esophageal fistulas, often resulting in death, from this procedure. Temporary esophageal stenting is an established therapy for malignant esophageal disease. We describe the first case of successful temporary esophageal stenting for an esophageal perforation following LACA.

CASE

A 48-year-old man with symptomatic drug refractory lone AF underwent an uneventful LACA. Fifty-nine ablations with an 8-mm tip ablation catheter (30 seconds, 70 Watts, 55 degrees C), as guided by 3-D NavX mapping, were performed in the left atrium to isolate the pulmonary veins as well as a left atrial flutter and roof ablation line. In addition, complex atrial electrograms in AF and sites of vagal innervation were ablated. Two weeks later, he presented with sub-sternal chest pain, fever, and dysphagia. A chest CT showed a 3-mm esophageal perforation at the level of the left atrium with mediastinal soiling and no pericardial effusion. An urgent upper endoscopy with placement of a PolyFlex removable esophageal stent to seal off the esophago-mediastinal fistula was performed. After 3 weeks of i.v. antibiotics, naso-jejunal tube feedings, and esophageal stenting, the perforation resolved and the stent was removed. Over 18 months of follow-up, there have been no other complications, and he has returned to a physically active life and remains free from AF on previously ineffective anti-arrhythmic drugs.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of esophageal perforations following LACA may allow temporary esophageal stenting with successful esophageal healing. Prompt chest CT scans with oral and i.v. contrast should be considered in any patient with sub-sternal chest pain or dysphagia following LACA.

Endoscopic approaches for palliation of luminal gastrointestinal obstruction

Much of the workload of a typical gastroenterologist is devoted to screening patients for gastrointestinal malignancies. Efforts such as colorectal cancer screening via colonoscopy and endoscopic surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus are widespread and widely endorsed. In recent years, the armamentarium of endoscopy has broadened considerably and now affords physicians a variety of nonsurgical means to palliate malignant obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. This article reviews endoscopic techniques to treat malignant esophageal, biliary, small bowel, and colonic obstruction.

Self-expanding metal stents versus plastic prostheses in the palliation of malignant dysphagia: long-term outcome of 153 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Malignant dysphagia due to esophagogastric cancer is associated with poor overall prognosis. Placements of self-expandable metal stents or plastic tubes are established methods as palliative treatment options. As an alternative and/or complementary therapy, radiologic techniques (external beam radiation/brachytherapy) and locally endoscopic techniques (laser, APC-beamer, PDT) are often used. STUDY AND GOALS: Retrospective trial of 153 patients treated in our department between 1993 and 2001. Forty-five patients received a plastic tube (Group A) and 108 patients were treated with metal stents (Group B). Both groups were compared for improvement of dysphagia score, survival, recurrent dysphagia and complications.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in 41 of 45 (93%) patients of Group A and 107 of 108 (99%) of Group B. The median dysphagia score improved significantly in Group A (from 3.03 to 1.55, P = 0.010) and Group B (from 2.77 to 1.44, P = 0.009). Recurrent dysphagia was noted in 12 of 45 (27%) patients of Group A and 27 of 108 (25%) patients of Group B. Median survival time after stent insertion was 78 days (Group A) and 113 days (Group B). Overall complications occurred in 15 of 45 (33%) patients of Group A and 28 of 108 (26%) patients of Group B. However, significantly (P = 0.05) more major complications were seen in Group A than in Group B (22% vs. 9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a marginal clinical benefit for metal stents versus plastic tubes in malignant dysphagia in the long run. However, metal stents seem to be safer and associated with a prolonged improvement of dysphagia score.

Management of postoperative esophageal leaks with the Polyflex self-expanding covered plastic stent

BACKGROUND

Esophageal anastomotic leaks can lead to prolonged hospitalization. In this article we present our experience with the placement of the Polyflex self-expanding plastic stent (Willy Ruesch GMBH, Kernen, Germany) for leak occlusion.

METHODS

Between April 2000 and November 2003, 24 patients were included into this prospective study and underwent Polyflex stent placement for postoperative esophageal anastomotic leaks. The primary operation was esophagectomy in 13 patients, gastrectomy in 7, cardia resection in 2, and other procedures in 2 patients. The median interval between operation and stent placement was 19 days (range, 4 to 65). The effectiveness of leak occlusion was evaluated by water-soluble contrast swallow and the clinical course.

RESULTS

In 2 patients stent misplacement produced an enlarged anastomotic dehiscence that necessitated reoperation. Radiologic evaluation was impossible in 4 patients because of their generally restricted condition. Among 18 evaluable patients, leak occlusion was successful with a single stent in 16 patients (89%) based on radiologic evaluation. Immediate oral feeding was well tolerated by these patients. After a median follow-up of 220 days (range, 7 to 1221), 9 cases of late stent dislocation were observed. Stent removal in patients after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up led to dysphagia from anastomotic strictures in 2 patients. Symptomatic strictures did not develop in the 5 evaluable postgastrectomy patients after stent removal.

CONCLUSIONS

The placement of self-expanding plastic stents is a highly effective treatment for esophageal anastomotic leaks. Because clinically-relevant anastomotic strictures can be expected, we do not recommend stent removal after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up reconstruction.

Impact of a self-expanding, plastic esophageal stent on various esophageal stenoses, fistulas, and leakages: a single-center experience in 39 patients

BACKGROUND

In this study, we describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, covered, plastic esophageal stent (SEPS). The majority of placements were difficult to treat situations, i.e., proximal or extremely proximal stent release or emergency cases in the intensive care unit.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients were treated by insertion of a SEPS by endoscopic or radiologic guidance for the following: malignant stenosis (n = 22), malignant fistula (n = 8), benign stenosis after treatment for malignant disease (n = 6), benign fistula (n = 2), and perforation or leakage after surgery of the esophagus (n = 5).

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically feasible in all patients. In patients with a stenosis, esophageal passage was achieved in 92.8%. Fistulas, perforations, and leakages were sealed in 73.3%. In 6 patients (15.4%), the stent was electively removed because of the completion of the therapy. Complications included respiratory insufficiency, mediastinal emphysema, and tracheal impression in one patient each; a new fistula in two patients; bleeding in 3 patients; stent-induced ulcers in two patients; and stent migration in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutical success and the complication rate after SEPS placement are similar to that reported for self-expanding metal stents. In addition, the SEPS can be readily removed, and the costs are significantly lower.

Palliative gastroenterology

Continuous improvements in endoscopic imaging and accessories have opened up a field of interventional endoscopy. This highly technical offshoot of gastroenterology uses not just standard endoscopic techniques but also newer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging or fluoroscopic monitoring to facilitate procedures that were once performed either surgically or percutaneously, if at all. This review will update the role of these novel procedures that can be used to assist in the palliative care of patients whose malignancies involve the gastrointestinal tract. The emphasis will be on those palliative interventions that are used to overcome intestinal obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract and restore luminal patency. The role of EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis to assist in pain control, especially in patients with pancreatic malignancies, will also be detailed.

Management of Tracheoesophageal Fistulas in Adults

The approach to treatment of adult patients with tracheoesophageal fistulas depends on whether the fistula is congenital or acquired in origin. Most adults have acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas, and treatment depends on whether the fistula is a result of a benign process or a malignancy, with the latter usually primary esophageal cancer. For patients with benign tracheoesophageal fistulas, treatment is almost always initially supportive followed by definitive surgical correction. In general, depending on the size and location of the tracheal aspect of the fistula, surgical therapy involves primary repair of the fistula and, if necessary, resection and reconstruction of the trachea. For patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas, treatment depends on whether the patient is resectable and/or medically fit for surgical therapy. However, most patients with malignant trach-eoesophageal fistulas have advanced disease and can only be treated with palliative measures. The current standard of palliative therapy for patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas is the endoscopic or radiologic placement of covered self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS), which allow closure of the fistula. All three types of commercially available covered SEMS have been used in this capacity with success. Other, less common treatment options for selected patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas include chemotherapy and radiation, surgical bypass, esophageal exclusion, and fistula resection and repair.

New approach to malignant strictures of the esophagus

Primary esophageal cancer is the most common cause of malignant esophageal stricture. Prognosis and treatment outcomes vary with the stage of the disease. Endoscopic ultrasound has a high accuracy rate for local and regional staging. Surgery is curative for early cancer. Endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy, or brachytherapy can be used with curative intent for early cancer, especially in patients with comorbid conditions precluding surgery. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced disease. The primary aim in these patients is to alleviate symptoms with a minimum of side effects and reinterventions. Palliative surgery or chemoradiotherapy can be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Several endoscopic techniques for palliation are available, and all have the potential of significantly improving swallowing. The choice of a particular endoscopic approach is usually determined by local expertise and characteristics of the stricture.

Esophageal cancer

Despite advances in our knowledge of esophageal cancer, 50% of patients present with incurable disease, and the overall survival after diagnosis is poor. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus is rising at a rapid rate in developed countries. Recent advances in the epidemiology of esophageal cancer offer insights into preventive strategies in patients who are at risk. New developments in diagnosis may help detect the disease at an early stage. New diagnostic modalities permit more accurate staging procedures and allow appropriate selection of therapy. New studies provide more information on multimodality therapy for esophageal cancer, and new endoscopic techniques allow resection of small lesions without surgery. New stent designs provide better palliation by providing tumor ingrowth. These developments in the treatment of esophageal cancer are the focus of this review.