Cost-effectiveness of endoscopically placed stents in the palliation of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.

The study assessed 50 consecutive patients presenting advanced esophageal carcinoma, in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic palliation of dysphagia. Cases were divided into groups according to the type of therapy: Group A - surgical resections; Group B - gastrostomy, jejunostomy, surgical bypass or no palliation; Group C - endoscopic palliation. A retrospective study analysed early mortality, length of hospital stay and cost of therapy.