Postchemotherapy expulsion of oesophageal endoluminal stent with vomiting: a rare occurrence

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are currently the most widely used modality for palliation of dysphagia from oesophageal malignancy. However, placement of SEMS is associated with a number of complications. We report a rare late complication of SEMS placed for relief of malignant dysphagia (Locally advanced Carcinoma mid-esophagus) in a 65-year-old man. SEMS was expelled out intact with vomiting following complete response to disease after three cycles of chemotherapy. Check on endoscopy done the day after, patient's growth had shown partial response to chemotherapy with scope easily negotiable upto Gastroesophageal junction with area of scarring and healed ulceration and stent imprint on the oesophageal wall. Partial response of the disease to chemotherapy and lack of expected fibrosis between stent and oesophageal wall resulted in loss of scaffolding for the stent and its subsequent expulsion in vomiting and relief in patient's dysphagia.