Self-expanding metal stents for palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction--a pilot study of eight patients.

We sought to determine whether the application of a self-expanding metal stent enables palliation of malignant dysphagia with minimal risk. The results of pilot studies from two centers are reported. We treated 8 inoperable patients with a 14 mm self-expanding metal stent (Wallstent). The stent was applied without general anesthesia under mild i.v. sedation. The procedure was successful in all cases. No side effects were noted. In one patient, tumor ingrowth through the meshes of the stent occurred. This patient was additionally treated with a percutaneous gastrostomy. One patient experienced tumor overgrowth of the proximal end, necessitating laser treatment. Three patients were still alive after three months. The mean number of cumulative endoscopic interventions per patient was 2.2 (SD: +/- 2; median 2). The mean observation time was 10.7 weeks +/- 2 (median 12). Dysphagia was graded from 0 (normal swallowing) to 4 (inability to swallow saliva). Dysphagia was significantly (p less than 0.0005) reduced from grade 3.1 (SD: +/- 0.35) to 0.5 (SD: +/- 0.5) immediately after stenting. 62.5% of the patients were able to manage a virtually normal diet (in one of these patients dysphagia recurred six weeks after stent placement due to tumor ingrowth). Six patients (75%) were able to ingest all necessary calories orally. The application of a 14 mm self-expanding metal stent in cases of inoperable malignant esophageal obstruction seems to offer safe and effective palliation of malignant dysphagia.