Objectives: The use of self-expandable plastic stents has offered a reasonable alternative of self-expandable metal stents in palliative treatment of esophageal malignancies, in the recent years. Studies and clinical data on the use of self-expandable plastic stents in esophageal cancer are, however, available in a very limited number. Here, we present the results of our 3-year study designed to evaluate the efficacy of self-expandable plastic stents in palliation of advanced esophageal carcinoma.
Patients and methods: Between January 2001 and February 2004, 69 patients with advanced nonoperable esophageal cancer were enrolled in the study and followed up until their death, after insertion of Polyflex self-expandable plastic stents. Dysphagia scores, Karnofsky indices and body weights were determined and compared in order to evaluate the effect of the stent insertion on general status and well-being of the patients.
Results: Insertion of Polyflex self-expandable plastic stents and covered self-expandable metal stents was performed in 66 cases and in eight cases, respectively; in certain patients, owing to complications, more than one stent had to be inserted. In all cases, the insertion of stents has been performed without major complication and it has led to an instant improvement in swallowing and dysphagia scores. The rates of tumoral overgrowth and of stent migration were low. The mean follow-up time of our patients was 129 days (10-312 days).
Conclusion: In concordance with previous studies, according to our results, the use of self-expandable plastic stents in palliation of esophageal cancer seems to be safe and effective in improving the quality of life of these patients.