Self-expanding Polyflex plastic stents in esophageal disease: various indications, complications, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal stenting has become an important technique in the treatment of different clinical problems such as malignant or benign stenosis, anastomotic leaks after surgery, or fistulas. In this study we present our experience with the self-expanding Polyflex plastic stent in various indications, arising complications, and patient's outcomes. METHODS: Over a three-year period, 35 patients underwent self-expanding Polyflex plastic stent placement for esophageal stenosis (n = 23) with 22 malignant, and for perforations, fistulas, or anastomotic leaks after surgery (n = 12). The short-term efficacy and long-term outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In patients with stenosis, implantation was performed without any complications in 91% (21/23). In one patient perforation occurred while passing the stenosis; in another patient the stent dislocated during the insertion procedure. Dysphagia score improved from 3.0 to 1.0 after stenting. In all patients with perforations, fistulas, or anastomotic leaks (n = 12), stents were placed successfully without any complication. Complete sealing of the mucosal defect was proven by radiography in 92% (n = 11) and healing was seen in 42% (n = 5). If indicated, stent removal was performed without any complications. Stent migration (n = 13; 37%) was the most common long-term complication. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of self-expanding Polyflex plastic stents is a highly sufficient and cost-effective treatment for malignant and benign esophageal disorders. Because the long-term results were highly favorable, self-expanding plastic stent placement could be used as the initial treatment for various conditions.

Use of self-expandable plastic stents for the treatment of esophageal perforations and symptomatic anastomotic leaks.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Extensive anastomotic leaks after esophageal resection and esophageal perforations are a therapeutic challenge. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of the self-expandable Polyflex plastic stent for the treatment of these conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and March 2003, nine patients were treated with a self-expandable Polyflex plastic stent for sealing of thoracic esophagoenteric anastomotic leaks following surgical resection (n = 5) or esophageal perforation (n = 4). RESULTS: In all patients the stents were inserted successfully without technical problems. In all but two patients complete sealing of the leak was achieved as demonstrated by radiography with water-soluble contrast media. The stent migration rate was 30 % and repositioning of the migrated stents was possible in all cases. Complete mucosal healing of the esophageal leaks and stent extraction was achieved in six patients. The stents were in situ for an average period of 135 +/- 78 days. Two critically ill patients with anastomotic leaks died in spite of stent insertion due to sepsis and one patient with esophageal perforation died due to the underlying malignant disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience with the self-expanding and removable Polyflex plastic stent for the sealing of anastomotic leaks and esophageal perforations suggests that this stent is a feasible treatment option, in particular, for more extensive esophageal defects, patients with co-morbid conditions, and critically ill patients.