Endoscopic stent placement for cancer of the lower esophagus and gastric cardia

An esophago-spinal fistula after radiotherapy and stent implantation for esophageal carcinoma

“…Some of these patients die due to stent associated complications. Spinelli et al [12] reporta complication rate of early and late comphcations to a total of 22%. Typical stent associated complications area perforation, movement of the stent and hemorrhage due to ulceration in the esophagus [3,7,10].…”

New developments in palliative therapy

“…7,21 The following specific problems with stents placed across the GE junction have been noted. (1) Migration is more likely to occur with stents in this position compared to stents placed for more proximal tumours.…”

Palliation of Dysphagia of Esophageal Cancer by Endoscopic Lumen Restoration Techniques

“…35,36 Cancer in the cervical esophagus also presents problems for stents and other therapies, but stents are safe and effective at this location in approximately two thirds of patients. 36 -38 Lesions of the lower esophageal and gastric cardia can be effectively stented but do present potential technical problems.…”

“…36 -38 Lesions of the lower esophageal and gastric cardia can be effectively stented but do present potential technical problems. 35 Another caveat is worthy of emphasis to all physicians who plan to offer dysphagia therapy by various endoscopic procedures: Never initiate therapy for dysphagia by any method in a patient with esophageal cancer without a current barium esophagram. Late-stage esophageal cancer has a tendency to necrose and produce intramural or extramural cavitation.…”