Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma de artéria isquiática bilateral com stent recoberto autoexpansível Covera® - relato de caso / Endovascular repair of bilateral sciatic artery aneurysm with Covera® self expandable covered stents - case report

Resumo A persistência da artéria isquiática é um remanescente embriológico da artéria ilíaca interna que ocorre em 0,03% a 0,06% da população, podendo evoluir com degeneração aneurismática. A presença do aneurisma pode levar a embolização, com aumento de risco de perda do membro, principalmente se a artéria isquiática for seu principal suprimento arterial. O tratamento do aneurisma de artéria isquiática está indicado sempre que diagnosticado, devido ao alto risco de complicações. Entre as opções de tratamento, estão o tratamento aberto convencional, o tratamento endovascular e o tratamento híbrido. No presente estudo, será descrito o caso de um paciente apresentando persistência completa das artérias isquiáticas bilateralmente, com degeneração aneurismática de ambas, corrigida de forma endovascular com stent recoberto Covera® (Bard Medical, Geórgia, Estados Unidos).

Abstract A persistent sciatic artery is an embryological remnant of the internal iliac artery that occurs in 0.03% to 0.06% of the population and may develop aneurysmal degeneration. Aneurysms can lead to distal embolization with increased risk of limb loss, especially if the sciatic artery is the main arterial supply to the limb. A sciatic artery aneurysm must be treated whenever diagnosed, because of the high risk of complications. Treatment options include open, endovascular, or hybrid repair. This manuscript describes a patient with bilateral persistence of the sciatic arteries, both with aneurysmal degeneration, who underwent endovascular repair with Covera® (Bard Medical, Georgia-USA) covered stents.

The efficacy of endoscopic stenting combined with laparoscopy in the treatment of left colon cancer with obstruction

Context: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are the bridge of obstructive colorectal cancer surgery. The debate is still open on whether the procedure and effects can be the same between the SEMS combined obstructive colon cancer resection and nonobstructive colon cancer resection, both of which were under laparoscopic. Aims: This retrospective study was designed to compare whether the same effects could be achieved in both resections. Settings and Design: The retrospective analysis was from September 2016 to November 2017. In the observation group (OG), 20 patients hospitalized for obstruction of the left colon cancer were included, who received obstructive colon cancer laparoscopic resection (LR) combined with SEMS insertion. In control group (CG), 20 patients were randomly selected, who underwent nonobstructive colon cancer LR during this period. Subjects and Methods: The differences between the two groups were compared, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the number of removed lymph nodes, postoperative anal exhaust time, and hospital stay. Results: Both groups were comparable in the age, gender, weight, the distribution of tumor, lymph node metastasis, tumor, node, and metastasis staging, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the number of removed lymph nodes, and postoperative anal exhaust time. The hospital stay was 15.2 ± 1.3 days and 14.2 ± 1.5 days in OG and CG, respectively, and it was longer in OG than that of in CG (P = 0.032). Conclusions: Obstructive colon cancer LR combined with SEMS insertion was a safe and feasible radical treatment strategy. The same level of procedure and effects could be achieved, compared to that of nonobstructive colon cancer LR.

Survival analysis pattern of patients treated with biliary metallic stent versus patients treated with surgical procedures for hepato-biliary malignancies in a rural tertiary care centre in South India

Background: Tumors of the biliary tract show spectrum ranging from benign to malignant lesions. Only 20% of tumors are resectable at the time of presentation. The operative mortality was approximately 5 to 20%. The morbidity rate associated with the surgery is approximately 65%. Options for palliative therapy of biliary tree obstruction include the surgical bypass, percutaneous external drainage/stenting and endoscopic stenting. The aim was to compare the survival pattern of patients treated with biliary Self Expandable Metallic Stents (SEMS) as a palliative procedure to that of patients treated by curative surgery.Methods: This was a retrospective study. 6-months survival pattern were analysed in 20 patients treated by SEMS and compared with that of 10 patients treated with plastic biliary stents followed by curative surgery.Results: Survival pattern analysis was done for all 20 patients with SEMS. 7 patients were in >1-year survival, 5 were in >6months survival, 6 expired within 6months, 2 patients were lost to follow up. Survival pattern was compared with 10 patients who had plastic stents followed by curative surgery. Only 1 patient had survival rate >1year post-surgery, 5 patients expired post-surgery in <6months, 2 patients expired few weeks after plastic stent deployment, 2 patients were lost to follow up.Conclusions: In patients with biliary malignancies with obstruction, biliary SEMS followed up by palliative chemotherapy had better survival rate than patients who had plastic stents followed up with curative surgical procedures.

In Vitro Evaluation of Fusiform-Shaped Stents for Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Wide-neck aneurysms (WNAs) associated with a dilated parent artery (PA) are not uncommon morphological abnormalities and usually cause inappropriate wall apposition and incomplete neck coverage of a tubular stent in stent-assisted coiling of aneurysms. We aimed to introduce a fusiform-shaped stent (FSS) and test its effectiveness in treating intracranial WNAs associated with a dilated PA using a three-dimensional (3D) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two FSS types were designed with the middle one-third segment dilated by 10% (FSS10) and 20% (FSS20) and were compared with the tubular-shaped stent (TSS). A patient-specific 3D WNA model was prototyped and produced, and in vitro stent placement was performed. Angiographic images of the three stent types were analyzed and compared using predetermined parameters. RESULTS: The stent lumens were significantly larger in FSS10 and FSS20 than in TSS in the middle segments (P=0.046), particularly FSS20 (P=0.018). The non-covered area at the ostium tended to be smaller in FSS10 and FSS20 than in TSS, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The stent length was significantly longer in FSS10 and FSS20 than in TSS. The stent cell size was significantly larger in FSS than in TSS. CONCLUSION: Better vessel wall apposition and aneurysmal neck coverage was observed for FSS than for TSS. No significant difference was observed between FSS10 and FSS20.

Therapeutic effect of fully covered self-expandable metal stents on benign biliary stricture / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) implanted by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with benign biliary stricture (BBS).Methods The clinical data of 38 patients with BBS underwent ERCP and FCSEMS placement between January 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively recorded.Success rate of BBS,adverse events related to ERCP and stricture recurrence were analyzed.Results A total of 38 patients underwent FCSEMS placement with a mean time of stent in dwelling for 8 months (range:3-13months).During follow-up after the stent was removed,death of 1 patient after liver transplantation was due to unrelated cause.The mean follow-up time was 13 months (range:2-52 months) for other patients.Stricture recurrence occurred in 6 patients,including 2 cases of gallstone-related biliary strictures,1 case of chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures,2 cases of liver transplantation-related biliary strictures,and 1 case of post surgical-related biliary strictures.Stricture resolution occurred in 31 cases with 83.8％ (31/37) success rate,including 90.0％ (18/20) gallstone-related biliary strictures,75.0％ (3/4) chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures,80.0％ (8/10) liver transplantation-related biliary strictures,and 66.7％ (2/3)post surgical-related biliary strictures.The incidence of post-ERCP complications was 21.1％ (8/38),including mild pancreatitis in 5 case,hyperamylasemia in 2 cases,cholangitis in 1 case.All patients were cured by conservative treatment.Conclusion FCSEMS are effective and safe for BBS.Further studies are needed to assess the indwelling time of FCSEMS,whether FCSEMS are superior to multiple plastic stents and the different efficacy of FCSEMS for BBS caused by different etiology.

A Novel Partially Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent with Proximal Flare in Patients with Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) has emerged as a palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Although covered SEMSs can prevent tumor ingrowth, frequent migration of covered SEMSs may offset their advantages in preventing tumor ingrowth. METHODS: We conducted this multicenter, single-arm, retrospective study at six tertiary referral centers to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a partially covered SEMS with an uncovered large-bore flare at the proximal end as an antimigration system in 41 patients with symptomatic malignant GOO. The primary outcome was clinical success, and the secondary outcomes were technical success, stent dysfunction, adverse events, and survival after stent placement. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 95%, respectively. Stent dysfunctions occurred in 17 patients (41%), including stent migration in nine (23%), tumor ingrowth in one (2%), and tumor overgrowth in four (10%). Two patients (5%) developed adverse events: one pancreatitis and one perforation. No procedure-related death was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A novel partially covered SEMS with a large-bore flare proximal end was safe and effective for malignant GOO but failed to prevent stent migration. Further research is warranted to develop a covered SEMS with an optimal antimigration system.

Application of simultaneous self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction / 天津医药

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of the application of simultaneous metal stents for treatment of biliary and duodenal obstruction. Methods A retrospective review of clinical data in 32 patients underwent simultaneous placement of biliary and duodenal metal stent was performed. Changes of bilirubin and liver function indexes were observed before and after treatment in patients. Results The biliary stent placement and duodenal stent placement were successively performed in all patients. The indexes of liver function were improved, and the symptoms were relieved. Conclusion The combined self-expandable metal stenting for biliary and duodenal obstruction is a safe and effective treatment method.

Clinical Efficacy of Endoscopic Treatment for Benign Colorectal Stricture: Balloon Dilatation versus Stenting

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There has been a lack of research comparing balloon dilatation and self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement to determine which is better for long-term clinical outcomes in patients with benign colorectal strictures. We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and complication rates of balloon dilatation and SEMS placement for benign colorectal strictures from a variety of causes. METHODS: Between January 1999 and January 2012, a total of 43 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for benign colorectal stricture (balloon only in 29 patients, SEMS only in seven patients, and both procedures in seven patients) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation, representing 65 individual sessions, and 14 patients received a total of 17 SEMS placements. The initial clinical success rates were similar in both groups (balloon vs SEMS, 89.1% vs 87.5%). Although the reobstruction rates were similar in both groups (balloon vs SEMS, 54.4% vs. 57.1%), the duration of patency was significantly longer in the balloon dilatation group compared with the SEMS group (65.5+/-13.3 months vs. 2.0+/-0.6 months, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilatation is safe and effective as an initial treatment for benign colorectal stricture and as an alternative treatment for recurrent strictures.

Angular Positioning of Stent Increases Bowel Perforation after Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Some factors like stent wires, balloon dilatation and use of guide wires seems to increase perforation after self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement, but few studies mentioned about the relationship between angulation of malignant stricture and perforation. The present study aimed to confirm that more angular positioning of stents increases perforation. METHODS: This study was conducted with retrospectively evaluation at Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University. Between January 2002 and August 2011, SEMS was inserted in 130 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. We studied the difference in the angle of stenosis between perforation and non-perforation groups using fluorography images. RESULTS: SEMS insertion was performed in 130 cases of obstruction due to colon cancer. Perforation occurred in eight patients (6.2%) of them. Thirteen cases were excluded from the analysis due to poor fluoroscopic images. Among the eight patients with perforation, the mean stenosis angle was 109.9degrees compared to 153.1degrees in the nonperforation group, indicating that the angle was more acute in the perforation group (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that more angular positioning of stent increases bowel perforation after SEMS placement for malignant colorectal obstruction.

Fracture of Self-Expandable Metal Stent during Endoscopic Removal in Benign Biliary Stricture

The endoscopic insertion of the self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) in benign biliary stricture has become an alternative to surgery. Fracture or migration of SEMS can occur rarely as complications. We report a case of fracture of SEMS during endoscopic retrieval in patients with chronic pancreatitis. In this case, broken stent was successfully removed with endoscopic ballooning of bile duct and with a snare device.

Covered self-expandable metal stent for uncontrolled bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the role of temporary placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stent (cSEMS) for treatment of uncontrolled bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).Methods From January 2000 to present,a total of 3460 cases of EST were performed,and bleeding after the procedure was complicated in 29 (0.84％) of them,in which 4 could not to be stopped by conventional managements.Covered SEMSs were placed across the major papilla in these 4 patients.Results The stents were successfully placed and hemostasis was achieved in all patients.The stent was removed in 1 patient 1 week later,and spontaneous stent dislodgment occurred in 1 patient within 4 weeks.The other 2 patients rejected to remove the stents,and the patency maintained for more than 6 and 12 months respectively.No complication was observed in procedures of placing and removing stents.Conclusion Covered SEMS placement is a safe,effective and simple method for patients with uncontrolled bleeding after EST.

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Covered Metal Stent and Plastic Stent in Unresectable Malignant Biliary Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The placement of self expandable metal stent (SEMS) is one of the palliative therapeutic options for patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a covered SEMS versus the conventional plastic stent. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 44 patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction who were treated with a covered SEMS (21 patients) or a plastic stent (10 Fr, 23 patients). We analyzed the technical success rate, functional success rate, early complications, late complications, stent patency and survival rate. RESULTS: There was one case in the covered SEMS group that had failed technically, but was corrected successfully using lasso. Functional success rates were 90.5% in the covered SEMS group and 91.3% in the plastic stent group. There was no difference in early complications between the two groups. Median patency of the stent was significantly prolonged in patients who had a covered SEMS (233.6 days) compared with those who had a plastic stent (94.6 days) (p=0.006). During the follow-up period, stent occlusion occurred in 11 patients of the covered SEMS group. Mean survival showed no significant difference between the two groups (covered SEMS group, 236.9 days; plastic stent group, 222.3 days; p=0.182). CONCLUSIONS: The patency of the covered SEMS was longer than that of the plastic stent and the lasso of the covered SEMS was available for repositioning of the stent.

Clinical Outcome of Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement in the Management of Malignant Proximal Colon Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are limited data regarding the clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of proximal colon obstruction. We compared the clinical outcomes of stent placement in patients with malignant proximal to distal colon obstructions. METHODS: We reviewed medical records from 37 consecutive patients from three institutions (19 men; mean age, 72 years) who underwent endoscopic stent placement at a malignant obstruction of the proximal colon. We also examined the records from 99 patients (50 men; mean age, 65 years) who underwent endoscopic stent placement for a distal colon obstruction. Technical success, clinical improvements, complications and stent patency were compared between treatments. RESULTS: The technical success rate tended to be lower in stents inserted to treat proximal colon obstructions than in those used to treat distal colon obstructions (86% vs 97%, p=0.06). Clinical improvement was achieved in 78% of patients (29/37) with proximal colonic stenting and in 91% of patients (90/99) with distal colonic stenting (p=0.08). Complications (24% vs 27%), stent migration (8% vs 8%) and stent reocclusion rates (11% vs 17%) did not differ significantly between groups. Two cases of bowel perforation related to stenting (5%) occurred in patients with proximal colonic stenting. CONCLUSIONS: The technical success and clinical improvement associated with self-expandable metal stents used to treat proximal colon obstruction tend to be lower than cases of distal colon obstruction. Technical failure is an important cause of poor clinical improvement in patients with proximal colon stenting. Complication rates and stent patency appear to be similar in both groups.

Temporary Placement of a Newly Designed, Fully Covered, Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Refractory Bile Leaks

Bile leaks remain a significant cause of morbidity for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Leakage from an injured duct of Luschka (subvesical duct) follows the cystic duct as the most common cause of postcholecystectomy bile leaks. Although endoscopic sphincterotomy, plastic-stent placement, or nasobiliary-drain placement are effective in healing biliary leaks, in patients in whom leakage persists and the symptoms worsen despite conventional endoscopic treatment, re-exploration with laparoscopy and ligation of the injured subvesical duct should be considered. We present herein the case of a 31-year-old woman with refractory bile leakage from a disrupted subvesical duct after cholecystectomy that could not be managed with endoscopic sphincterotomy and plastic-stent placement. A newly designed, fully covered, self-expandable metal stent (FC-SEMS) was successfully placed for the treatment of refractory bile leaks in this patient. It appears that temporary placement of an FC-SEMS is technically feasible and provides an effective alternative to surgical therapy for refractory bile leaks after cholecystectomy.

A Case of Inserting Two Self-expandable Metal Stents in Dual Malignant Colonic Obstructions / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Malignant colonic obstruction can lead an emergency operation for decompression, and this can cause post-operative complications due to poor bowel preparation. Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion is useful for avoiding an emergency operation and unnecessary complications. However, SEMS insertion for dual malignant colonic obstructions is very rare. We report here on a case of two SEMS that were inserted in dual malignant colonic obstructions caused by synchronous colon cancer. A 66-year-old man visited our hospital due to abdominal distension. Sigmoidoscopy and an abdominopelvic computerized tomographic (CT) scan revealed synchronous colon cancer at the splenic flexure and distal descending colon with dual obstruction. The initial SEMS insertion on the descending colon was not effective for decompression due to the proximal obstruction. After the second SEMS insertion on the splenic flexure through the first stent, all the signs and symptoms due to obstruction disappeared. SEMS insertion is considered to be useful for treating dual malignant colonic obstruction caused synchronous colon cancer.

The Efficacy and Safety of Fully Covered Self-expandable Metal Stents in Benign Extrahepatic Biliary Strictures / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: For the endoscopic treatment of benign biliary strictures (BBS), it has been a drawback to use plastic stents or uncovered self-expandable metal stents. We investigated the efficacy and safety of temporary placing fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) in BBS. METHODS: We enrolled 12 cases that followed up more than 6 months after insertion of a FCSEMS in BBS via ERCP. The cohort consisted of 9 patients with recurrent cholangitis, 2 patients with postcholecystectomy and 1 patient with chronic pancreatitis. The efficacy was assessed according to the resolution of strictures and also the restricture after stent removal, and the safety was evaluated according to the complications associated with stent placement. Finally, the removability of FCSEMSs was assessed. RESULTS: The median time of FCSEMS placement was 6.0 months. Resolution of the BBS was confirmed in 8 cases (67%) after a median post-removal follow-up of 8.5 months. Restricture after stent removal happened in 4 cases (33%). The complications were severe abdominal pain (n=2), pancreatic abscess (n=1) and stent migration (n=6). In 7 cases, all the FCSEMSs were successfully removed by grasping them with forceps. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary placement of a FCSEMS in BBS showed good therapeutic effects, relative safety and easy removability. Further evaluation is needed for determining the causes of restricture and for developing a new stent with antimigration features.

Feasibility of application of anti-reflux metallic stent for malignant biliary obstruction / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a newly designed anti-reflux metallic stent (ARMS) for malignant extra-hepatic biliary obstruction. Methods A total of 23 patients with unresectable biliary malignancy in the middle or lower part of common bile duct underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and ARMs placement. The success rate, early complications, stent patency and patients' survival were recorded. Results The ARMSs were successfully placed in all patients and no procedure-related complication was recorded. The average operation time was similar to that of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMs). In 22 patients completing the follow-up, the total serum bilirubin dropped to normal within one month in 20. ARMs dysfunction occurred in 6, including tumor in-growth in 1, overgrowth in 2, and stent dislodgement in 3. Other patients were free of biliary symptoms until death or at the end of follow-up. The average stent patency of ARMs was 14 months. Patency rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 95%, 74% and 56%, respectively. The mean patient survival was 7. 9 months ( 1-14 months).Postoperative survival rates at 3,6 and 12 months were 91.0%, 81.3% and 17. 2%, respectively. Conclusion Endoscopic placement of novel ARMs in patients with extra-hepatic biliary tumors is feasible,safe and effective.

Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Therapy for a Gastrointestinal Benign Stricture / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is well known that self-expandable metallic stents are useful for the treatment of malignant strictures. Balloon and bougie dilation have received significant attention as a useful treatments for a gastriointestinal benign stricture, but the use of stents has some complications, including perforation and bleeding. We evaluated the clinical effectiveness and procedure- related complications of the use of self-expandable metallic stent therapy in gastrointestinal benign strictures. METHODS: We inserted self-expandable metallic stents in 11 patients with benign strictures during the period from January 2003 to May 2007. Eleven patients were included in this study (six males; mean age, 50.9 years). We observed clinical improvement, as well as complications and restenosis during follow-up. We defined "recurrence" as the return of symptoms. RESULTS: The causes of strictures were peptic ulcers (eight cases), corrosive esophagitis (two cases) and an anastomosis site stricture (one case). Three stents migrated within two weeks after placement. The mean length of time of a stent staying in a stricture was 16.1 days (3~35 days). After stent dilation, none of the patients had dysphagia to solid food or procedure- related complications. During a mean follow-up period of 12.8 months (3~35 months), the rate of restenosis was 36.4% (4/11 cases). All restenosis cases (two cases of peptic ulcer and two cases of corrosive esophagitis) occurred within three months after stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of self-expandable metallic stent therapy can be effective and safe for patients with gastrointestinal benign strictures. Restenosis (36.4%) occurred within three months. Future research on the management of gastrointestinal benign strictures is recommended.

Implanting Uncovered Self-Expandable Metal Stent Through Endoscope for Management of Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction / 中国普外基础与临床杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of implanting uncovered self-expandable metal stent for treatment of distal malignant biliary obstruction through endoscope.Methods The effect of therapy about implanting uncovered self-expandable metal stents to 16 patients who had unsectable malignant tumors companing with obstructive jaundice through endoscope was reviewed. Results Fifteen of the studied patients were implanted uncovered self-expandable metal stents successfully (94%), for their internal drainage were patent. At the seventh and fourteenth day after implantation, liver function and B-ultrasound were rechecked. Compared to the data before operation, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and transaminase declined respectively (P

Usefulness of self-expandable metal stent for malignant esophageal stricuture / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Most patients with malignant esophageal stricture are surgically incurable at the time of presentation. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic expandable metal stent for palliation of dysphagia caused by malignant stricture. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2001, thirty-two expandable metal stents (Nitis(R) Taewoong Med. Co. Korea, 6 uncovered, 12 covered, 14 double stents for antimigration, 18 mm diameter) were placed in 28 consecutive patients with dysphagia caused by malignancy. Dysphagia score, complications, reintervention, survival length after stent placement were evaluated. RESULTS: This study consisted of 23 men and 5 women. The patients were composed of 13 esophageal carcinomas, 11 gastro-esophageal junction cancers or cardiac cancers, 3 lung cancers, 1 breast cancer. Immediate improvement of dysphagia symptom was seen after initial stent placement in 27 patients (96%). Dysphagia score decreased from 3.0 (+/-0.51) to 1.06 (+/-0.77) after stent placement. There was one death due to hemorrhage after the procedure. There was no stent migration. Restenting was required in 4 cases due to tumor ingrowth (1/4) and overgrowth (3/4) and average interval to restenting was 95 days. Mean survival length was 109 days. CONCLUSION: Expandable metal stents offer excellent rapid palliation of malignant dysphagia. In a small subset of patients who received chemoradiation before stent placement, major complications such as bleeding, perforation, were observed.