Expandable stents compared to conventional plastic endoprostheses in malignant oesophageal obstruction, especially in cardiac cancer and fistulas: the experience of the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

Background: Advanced oesophageal carcinoma usually causes debilitating dysphagia. An endoprosthesis can offer adequate palliation. The self-expandable metal stents provide several advantages over the plastic endoprostheses: less traumatic introduction and stronger attachment to the oesophageal wall.