Clinical Characteristics, Complications, and Post-stent Survival in Patients Undergoing Palliative Oesophageal Stenting: A Retrospective Study

Purpose This study described post-stent survival and complication profiles in patients undergoing palliative oesophageal stenting for malignant dysphagia, to inform patient counselling. Methods An institutional audit reviewed palliative oesophageal stent insertions at Cambridge University Hospital (Apr 2020-Apr 2024). Patient demographics, complications, and survival were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and Kaplan-Meier methods. Results Among 110 patients, 60.9% male (n=67); mean age 74.1 years, 95% CI 72.1-76.1), 93.6% (n=103) were deceased. Adenocarcinoma (n=68; 61.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma (n=32; 29.1%) were the most common histological subtypes, with tumours predominantly located in the lower and middle oesophagus. Thirty-six percent (n=39) received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Complications were stent migration (n=13;11.8%) and stent blockage (n=10;9.1%). Median post-stent survival was 162 days for squamous cell carcinoma, 97 days for adenocarcinoma, and 74 days for other types (log-rank p = 0.008); but did not differ significantly by tumour location (log-rank p = 0.73). In multivariable analysis, increasing age was associated with shorter post-stent survival (HR 1.05 per year, p = 0.001), while squamous cell carcinoma was associated with longer post-stent survival (HR 0.64, p = 0.037). Other variables were not independently associated with survival. Conclusion Palliative oesophageal stenting alleviates malignant dysphagia symptoms and has a known complication profile. Post-stent survival is linked to patient and tumour traits, underscoring its supportive role in prognostic counselling and post-procedure management. Implications for cancer survivors The findings highlight the role of oesophageal stenting in symptom relief rather than disease modification and may assist patients and clinicians in setting realistic expectations regarding prognosis and post-procedure care.