[Carcinoma of the esophagus. Palliative treatment with endoscopic prosthesis]

The efficacy and safety of endoscopically inserted esophageal prosthesis was evaluated in 33 patients with non-operable carcinoma involving the esophagus. In 30 cases, the origin of the tumor was esophageal, and in 3 cases, bronchopulmonary. Esophago-pulmonary fistula was present in 9 patients. Histologic exam of the tumors revealed 11 adenocarcinomas and 22 epidermoid carcinomas. In every case, Atkinson prosthesis was used and previous esophageal dilatation was needed in 21 patients. Normal oral feeding was achieved in 29 patients. Mean hospital stay after insertion of the prosthesis was 5 days. Survival rate was 84.8% at one month, 63.6% at 4-6 months, 42.4% survived more than 6 months, and 21.2% were still alive one year after the procedure. Complications occurred in 3 patients (9%) -esophageal perforation in two cases, and pneumonia in one case. One patient died. In conclusion, in patients with advanced carcinoma involving the esophagus, palliative therapy with endoscopically inserted esophageal prosthesis is effective, relatively safe and cheap.