Self adjusting stent in the management of malignant tracheo-oesophageal fistula

The development of a malignant oesophago-respiratory fistula is a distressing situation which often leads to an early death. Dissatisfaction with the high levels of mortality and morbidity associated with the surgical bypass procedures, coupled with the failure of many of the oesophageal tubes, to completely occlude the fistula, has led to the development of a new cuffed tube (Wilson Cooke tube). This tube has the potential to not only relieve dysphagia but also to occlude the fistula without risk of pressure necrosis.