Palliative treatment of dysphagia: failures and complications

Background. Dysphagia is the main clinical symptom in patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma and proximal part of the stomach. Esophageal stenting is a highly effective and safe method to restore esophageal lumen patency. Published data indicate a high rate of stent-related complications. Material and methods. A retrospective, two-centered study included 166 patients (102 males and 64 females), who underwent endoscopically-guided esophageal stenting from 2004 to 2015. The age of the patients ranged from 36 to 92 years. Expandable metal stents were used for all patients. In most cases (81.3%), drug-eluting stents (22 mm diameter, 120 mm length) were preferable. Treatment outcomes and complications were analyzed. results. Complications during stent placement (incorrect stent disclosure) were observed in 7 patients. All these complications were eliminated by relocating the stent to the desired position. Postoperative complications were noted in 29 patients (stent migration in 9 patients, stent fracture and migration in 2 patients, stent obstruction in 1 patient, destruction of stent coating and fragmentation in 5 patients, and dysphagia recurrence due to continuing tumor growth in 11 patients). All stent-related complications were corrected by re-endoscopy. conclusions. The data obtained indicate the need for lifelong surveillance of patients after stenting.