Source: ncp.sagepub.com
Authors: Matthew Bower, MD et al.

Endoluminal stents are commonly used for palliative treatment of dysphagia in patients with advanced esophageal malignancies. The most frequently used esophageal stents are self-expanding metal stents. Removable self-expanding plastic stents have recently been used in the management of esophageal cancer patients treated with curative intent. Esophageal stents effectively alleviate dysphagia in most patients, and stent placement is associated with a low rate of complications. This article reviews the use of self-expanding esophageal stents in patients with esophageal cancer. Nutrition considerations following stent placement are addressed.

Authors: Matthew Bower, MD, Whitney Jones, MD, Ben Vessels, MD, Charles Scoggins, MD, MBA, Robert Martin, MD, PhD

Authors’ affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky