Clinical outcomes after self-expanding plastic stent placement for refractory benign esophageal strictures

Refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBES) are defined as those that persist structurally and symptomatically after repeated dilation sessions. Small series have reported favorable outcomes after placement and subsequent removal of Polyflex self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS).

To characterize the outcomes after Polyflex stent placement in patients with RBES.

Outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent Polyflex stent placement for RBES between April 15, 2005 and November 20, 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. The etiology of the stricture, number of dilations prior to initial SEPS placement, size of stent placed, stricture resolution after SEPS removal, cases of stent migration, duration of SEPS placement, time to repeat dilation and/or SEPS replacement after stent removal, and complications were assessed.

Twenty-three Polyflex stents were placed in 13 patients suitable for analysis. The majority of stenoses (11/13) were attributable to anastomotic strictures after curative esophagogastrectomy for esophageal neoplasms. All 11 patients in this group had satisfactory relief of dysphagia to solids determined clinically with indwelling SEPS placement. SEPS migration occurred in seven instances (30% of SEPS placed). Dysphagia remediation after subsequent SEPS removal was observed in only three patients (23%). Placement of a partially covered metal stent within a Polyflex stent was necessary in one case due to epithelial hyperplasia. The mean time for repeat dilation and/or SEPS reinsertion due to recurrent dysphagia after stent removal was 37 days (range 6-120 days).

Polyflex stents provided satisfactory palliation of dysphagia for RBES while in place. However, unplanned SEPS migration and dysphagia recurrence after stent removal were common.