Palliation of inoperable esophageal carcinoma with the Wallstent endoprosthesis.
BACKGROUND: Palliation of malignant dysphagia can be achieved by insertion of an endoprosthesis. Recently, metallic self-expanding prostheses have been introduced that offer the advantage of a lower complication rate over their plastic counterpart. METHODS: Thirteen patients with dysphagia due to inoperable carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with coated Wallstent (Schneider (USA) Inc, Minneapolis, MN) endoprostheses, which were placed under fluoroscopic control. All patients were given general anesthesia during the procedure. RESULTS: After successful insertion of all endoprostheses, the dysphagia of 12 of the patients improved while in the hospital. Average length of stay was 4.4 days. Two patients required a second stent because of migration or tumor overgrowth. Seven patients died with a mean survival of 54 days (range, 14 to 144 days), and 6 are alive a mean of 112 days (range, 32 to 263 days) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Coated Wallstent insertion is an effective, single treatment that quickly improves the patients' quality of life. Its effect on survival is yet to be established when used as a last resort in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma and poor general condition.