Palliative treatment of esophageal cancer: new role of endoprosthesis?

Esophageal endoprostheses are very useful in management of patients with esophageal cancer and are the primary therapy for patients with esophagorespiratory fistula. In addition, patients with tumors, poorly responsive to dilatation or other therapies, will have long-lasting symptomatic relief when an endoprosthesis is placed. The available prostheses are discussed, as well as the methods of insertion and the relative merits of each. The self- expanding metal stents may have advantages over plastic stents