ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of retrievable esophageal covered metal internal stent in treating patients with achalasia.Methods Under DSA guidance,peroral"Z-type"double horn covered metal internal stent implantation was performed in 16 patients with achalasia.Esophagography was carried out about 28 days after the procedure and the stent was retrieved.Results Of 16 cases,the stent fell off into the stomach two weeks after the operation in one.And the stent was successfully replaced after it was taken out.The placed stent was successfully retrieved in all cases 28 days after the treatment.No serious complications occurred.All the patients were followed up for 3 months to 3 years.During the follow-up period restenosis of the esophagus developed in two cases(at one and 1.5 years respectively),and the restenosis degree was relived after balloon dilation.Clinically,no esophageal symptoms,such as dysphagia,occurred in all patients.Conclusion As a simple and safe technique,the retrievable esophageal covered metal internal stent implantation is very effective with fewer complications for the treatment of achalasia.Moreover,the technique carries lower restenosis occurrence.