[Esophageal Stenting: Techniques and Effectiveness]

Objective: The purpose of this study is a prospective evaluation of the ease of implantation, long-term patency, indication of good oesophageal stent placement and related complications in patients due to obstructive malignant diseases. The clinical efficacy of these techniques is also examined.

Materials And Methods: A total of 123 patients with severe oesophageal obstruction diagnosed between 1999 and 2008 were selected for stent placement. The following stents were used: Wallstent; Ultraflex; Medwark; Endotechnik; Wilson Cook (plastic); and Z stents.

Results: The stent was successfully placed in the diseased oesophagus in all 123 patients. The stent implantation was more than 95% effective but the stent patency and the patients' life quality was low due to both progression of the disease and stent performance. Stents did increase life expectancy but performance was limited.

Conclusions: Stent placement is safe and effective for the primary palliation of patients with inoperable malignant oesophageal obstruction. Even if the stent price is relatively high the costs are offset due to earlier patient discharged from hospital. Stent and patient related problems persist and may require additional intervention. New innovations in stent design are needed to reduce the risk of stent-related complications.