Stents for Palliation of Dysphagia Due to Esophageal Cancer

Stenting and related techniques for palliation of esophageal cancer are being used with increasing frequency16. Peroral stenting opens the lumen of the obstructed esophagus to a diameter sufficient to allow the pleasures and potential nutritional benefit of oral food intake; it maintains patency and reduces the risks of regurgitation. The majority of patients with esophageal cancer are poor candidates for surgery and have incurable disease. Without an adequate esophageal lumen, they suffer great misery from dysphagia, sialorrhea, regurgitation of saliva and food, malnutrition, and aspiration. Patency also can be achieved by peroral dilation, endoluminal irradiation, or lesion ablation . . .