Esophageal Stenting: How I Do It

Abstract

Endoscopic esophageal stent placement is an effective palliative treatment for malignant strictures and has also been successfully used for benign indications, including esophageal refractory strictures and iatrogenic leaks and perforations. Despite several decades of evolution and the wide variety of esophageal stents available to choose from, an ideal stent that is both effective and without adverse events such as stent migration, tissue ingrowth, or pressure necrosis has yet to be developed. This paper is an overview of how this evolution happened, and it also addresses the characteristics of some of the currently available stents, like their material and construction, delivery device, radial and axial force pattern, covering and size which may help to understand and avoid the occurrence of adverse events. The insertion delivery systems and techniques of placement of an esophageal self-expandable metal stent are reviewed, as well as some tips and tricks regarding placement and management of adverse events.

Luminal and Extraluminal Applications of Endoscopic Stenting: A Bright Future for Gastroenterology

“…Two review articles regarding luminal stenting are also included in this supplemental issue – one by Medas et al [ 3 ] focused on the description of current practice in luminal stenting for malignant and benign indications throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and other by Silva et al [ 8 ] focused on the technique and personal experience of esophageal stenting. Technical description, safety, and efficacy of esophageal, gastroduodenal, and colonic stenting are described in the first article, while the “How I do” article regarding esophageal stenting [ 8 ] addresses the characteristics of some of the currently available stents, offering an elaborated description of insertion delivery systems, techniques of placement, as well as some tips and tricks regarding placement and management of adverse events. This can be extremely helpful to understand and avoid the occurrence of adverse events and comes in line with recent technical reviews [ 9 ].…”