Malignant stenosis of the esophagus treated with dilatation or intubation.

Patients with incurable carcinoma of the esophagus or the cardia have a miserable life, without being able to swallow and with a risk for pulmonary complications secondary to aspiration of secretion from the esophagus. All efforts should be made to give these patients relief from dysphagia. Our experience indicates that the quality of life may be dramatically improved after dilatation or intubation which restores the ability to swallow, thereby reducing the risk for pulmonary complications.