Initial Outcomes of Symmetrically Flared Covered Nitinol Stents for Esophageal Pathologies

A recently available, low profile, fully covered metal stent with symmetrical flares (FCMSF) may offer improved resistance to migration in esophageal disease.

A retrospective review of 58 esophageal FCMSF placed in 46 consecutive patients was performed. Pathologies included stricture and leak of benign and malignant etiology.

Sixteen of 58 stents (28%) were placed urgently/emergently. All patients had successful stent deployment with 0% stent-related hospital mortality. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 15 of the 58 (26%) stents and included stent migration, atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, pneumothorax, urinary retention, hemodynamic instability, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. In patients with stricture (n=29), mean dysphagia scores were reduced from 3.1±0.6 preoperatively to 1.1±0.8 postoperatively (P<0.001). For leak, stent therapy (±drainage) avoided formal esophageal operation in 95% (21/22). Four stents (6.9%) were removed for stent migration, 2 of which migrated after adjuvant chemoradiation. Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was an independent risk factor for stent migration (odds ratio=1.6; P=0.02) by multivariable regression analysis. The mean duration of stent therapy was 65±62 days for stricture (27/34 remain in situ) and 57±57 days for leak (10/22 remain in situ). The median hospital length of stay was 2 days.

FCMSF provide a safe and effective therapy for both benign and malignant esophageal dysphagia and leaks. The symmetrical property may contribute to the overall low observed migration rate while still allowing for simple and safe stent retrieval.