Esophageal stent placement versus endoscopic incision for the treatment of refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

Objective Few reports are seen comparing esophageal stent placement (ESP) and the endoscopic incision method (EIM) in the treatment refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures (EAS) following esophageal carcinoma resection (ECR). This study was to evaluate the effect ESP versus that of EIM in the treatment of refractory EAS after ECR. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 50 cases of post-ECR refractory EAS treated by ESP (n = 32) or EIM (n = 18) in our Center of Digestive Medicine between January 2012 and December 2018. We recorded and compared the pre- and post-operative dysphagia scores, post-operative complications and follow-up results between the two groups of patients. Results Compared with the EIM group, the patients of the ESP group had a remarkably lower dysphagia score post-operatively (1.4±0.5 vs 1.0±0.0, P<0.01), a smaller diameter of the dilated esophagus ([19.9±1.8] vs [11.0±1.9] mm, P<0.01), higher incidence rates mild and severe chest pain (P=0.022), and a higher rate of relief of esophageal stricture at 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion EIM can rapidly relieve the symptoms of esophageal anastomotic stricture, while ESP may achieve a longer duration of relief. Both of the procedures are safe for patients with refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture.