[Endoscopic prosthesis implantation in stenoses and fistulas of the proximal cervical esophagus].

Endoscopic placement of an esophageal prosthesis is a well established palliative treatment for esophageal carcinoma. However, the treatment of high cervical tumors using commercially available plastic prostheses is problematic. We modified the design and implantation techniques of the Celestin prosthesis to accommodate high cervical tumors and report our results in 38 patients. Over a 7 year period 42 modified Celestin prostheses were implanted in 38 patients with high cervical esophageal tumors. 15 had stenosis only, 22 had a stenosis and fistula, and one had a fistula without stenosis. Graduated bouginage up to 38 Fr or 42 Fr for large prostheses was performed prior to stent placement in an average of 2.3 sessions. There were no procedure-related complications. Only in one case the prosthesis had to be withdrawn after reimplantation because of intolerable painful foreign body sensation. Improvement of dysphagia was achieved in 34 patients. The fistulas could be adequately bridged and sealed in 17 of 23 patients. Prostheses migrated in 11 cases (proximally, n = 6; distally, n = 5). Mean patient survival in 28 patients followed until death was 86 days (range 5-338 days).