Palliative intubation of malignant oesophageal strictures.

A 6-year experience (1981-1987) of palliative intubation of irresectable malignant oesophageal strictures is reported in 110 patients with a mean age of 70.3 (range 41-90) years. Pulsion intubation was performed on 71 patients, 11 (15.5%) of whom died, and traction intubation on 39 with 6 (15.4%) deaths. Seven deaths resulted from instrumental perforation, but six other patients survived perforation and left the hospital in satisfactory condition. Mean in-patient stay was 8 (range 1-26) days. Non-fatal tube-related complications were more common in pulsion intubation, but was found to be highly effective in relieving dysphagia, with shortened hospital stay (mean 6 days) and acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. These results indicate the trend towards, and the increased safety of, pulsion intubation.