Comparative Outcomes of Esophageal Stent Placement in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study of 183 Cases

Introduction: Esophageal stent placement is a vital, minimally invasive procedure for alleviating dysphagia and enabling smoother food passage. It offers immediate relief, reduces hospital stays, and enhances quality of life for high-risk patients. Effective for both malignant and benign conditions, stenting is cost-efficient and requires skilled professionals for optimal outcomes. This study examines outcomes of various stent types in esophageal cancer patients, evaluating efficacy, safety, and quality-of-life impacts. Methods: Between January and December 2022, 183 patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled from three tertiary healthcare facilities. Patients were divided into three groups based on the esophageal stent used: self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS, n = 84), self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS, n = 61), and fully covered self-expanding metallic stents (FCSEMS, n = 38). All stent placements were performed under endoscopic guidance, with follow-up assessments at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months to evaluate stent patency, dysphagia relief, and complications. Results: Technical success rates were high: SEMS 96.4%, SEPS 95.1%, and FCSEMS 97.4%. Immediate dysphagia relief occurred in 87.4% of patients. FCSEMS had a significantly longer median patency duration (8.0 months) compared to SEMS (6.3 months) and SEPS (5.6 months). Additionally, SEPS exhibited a higher migration rate (13.1%), while overall complications were noted in 18.0% of patients. Conclusions: Esophageal stent placement effectively palliates dysphagia in cancer patients. FCSEMS shows advantages with prolonged patency, yet careful stent selection is essential to optimize patient outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of individualized treatment planning and regular monitoring to achieve optimal outcomes.