ABSTRACT
A recent American College of Gastroenterology study reviewed the available evidence regarding the various uses of esophageal stents and provided an assessment of the quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations for a range of indications. The researchers found that the most common indications for the use of esophageal stents were malignant obstruction, extrinsic compression, refractory strictures, and esophageal perforations and leaks. The need for stent placement in patients with a locally advanced tumor has diminished significantly as treatment algorithms have become more standardized, effective, and better tolerated. Although common (approximately 30"–50"), procedural and stent-related complications with the current stent technologies are rarely lethal. Aspiration, bleeding, airway compromise, perforation, and malpositioning are all possible complications at the time of stent placement. Beyond a week after stent placement, the most common complications are stent migration, food bolus impaction, reflux, tumor ingrowth or overgrowth and fistula formation.
