Esophageal stents for severe strictures in young children: experience, benefits, and risk

Robert E Kramer1, J Antonio Quiros

  • 1Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital/University of Colorado Denver, 13123 East 16th Avenue, B-290, Aurora, CO, 80124, USA. Kramer.robert@tchden.org

Insights

Removable esophageal stents offer a new treatment for pediatric esophageal strictures, providing continuous dilation pressure. This review covers their use, types, placement, and complications in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Interventional Endoscopy
  • Esophageal Diseases

Background:

  • Esophageal stents are widely used in adults for malignant lesions.
  • Pediatric use was limited by non-removable stents and implications for growing children, especially with benign strictures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pediatric literature on esophageal stents.
  • To discuss indications, types, placement, management, and complications of esophageal stents in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published pediatric literature on esophageal stents.
  • Analysis of stent types, indications, technical guidance, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Removable, covered stents have expanded the use of stenting in children.
  • Stenting provides continuous radial dilation pressure, potentially superior to traditional dilation methods.

Conclusions:

  • Esophageal stenting is a viable option for various pediatric esophageal strictures.
  • Understanding stent types, proper placement, and management is crucial for successful outcomes and minimizing complications.

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