Esophageal stenting for treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures in dogs

Benign esophageal strictures can recur despite multiple dilatation procedures and palliative management can be challenging.

To describe the technique and determine the outcome of esophageal stenting for treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBES) in dogs.

Nine dogs with RBES.

Retrospective review of records for dogs with RBES. Indwelling intraluminal esophageal stents were placed transorally with endoscopy, fluoroscopic guidance, or both. Follow-up information was obtained via medical record or telephone interview.

Nine dogs had 10 stents placed including biodegradable stents (BDS) (6/10), self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) (3/10), and a self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) (1/10). All dogs had short-term improved dysphagia. Complications included ptyalism, apparent nausea, gagging, vomiting, or regurgitation (8/9), confirmed recurrence of stricture (6/9), stent migration (3/9), stent shortening (1/9), megaesophagus (1/9), incisional infection (1/9), and tracheal-esophageal fistula (1/9). Eight of 9 dogs required intervention because of the complications of which 4 of 8 dogs were eventually euthanized because of stent-related issues. One dog was lost to follow-up examination.

Findings suggest that esophageal stent placement was safe and technically effective, but unpredictably tolerated in dogs with RBES. If a stent is placed, dogs should be monitored carefully for stent migration, dissolution of absorbable stents, and recurrence of strictures.