Experience with stent implantation in malignant esophageal strictures: analysis of 1185 consecutive cases.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the experience in endoprosthesis implantation in cases of malignant esophageal strictures.

Methods: A total of 1185 consecutive patients underwent endoprosthesis implantation: through open surgery in 42 cases and by endoscopy in 1143 cases.

Results: Stent implantation was performed successfully in 61.2% of cases. Dysphagia was resolved temporarily in 6.2% and permanently in 93.5% of cases. The score of dysphagia decreased from 1.93 to 0.38. Complications were detected in 23.7% of patients, and 69.2% of cases were treated by endoscopy. Wound complications were seen in 21.9% of patients intubated through surgery. The mean survival time of patients with esophageal intubation was 5.4 months and that of patients not eligible for stent implantation was 3.3 months.

Conclusions: Stent implantation improves the quality of life and gives an opportunity for adjuvant oncological therapy. Evaluation of morphologic anomalies is of considerable importance for achieving success in treatment through implantation.