Application of metallic stent implantation or percutaneous gastrostomy for high level cervical esophageal strictures:Report of 20 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of interventional microinvasive techniques in the management of high level cervical esophageal strictures.Methods Among 20 cases of high level cervical esophageal strictures,13 cases of strictures at the level of C_7~T_3 were given an oral placement of nitinol metal stents woven by single thread under fluoroscopic guidance,while 7 cases of strictures at the level of C_7 and above were given a percutaneous gastrostomy(PG) under endoscopic or fluoroscopic guidance.Results All the operations were successfully accomplished without complications.Out of 13 cases of intraesophageal stent implatation,the improvement of dysphagia was classified as grade 0 in 10 cases and as grade Ⅰ in 3 cases.Esophago-tracheal fistula was completed occluded in 5 cases.Slight downward stent shift was found in 2 cases and no further management was carried out.Follow-up in 11 cases for 1~30 months(mean,18 months) revealed 3 cases of recurrence of esophageal stricture and 8 fatal cases.No stentinduced esophago-tracheal fistula occurred.Of 7 cases of percutaneous gastrostomy,liquid diet was given 2 days after operation.Infection with redness and swelling in the area of fistula wound was noted in 1 case at 1 week postoperatively and the fistula tube was found loosened in 1 case at 5 months postoperatively.No intraabdominal infection,peritonitis,or internal fistula occurred.Follow-up in 7 cases for 1~18 months showed 5 fatal cases.Conclusions Stent implantation should not be contraindicated in patients with high level cervical stricture of esophagus.Radiologically guided percutaneous gastrostomy is safe and feasible,which is preferred as the first choice of treatment.