Upper Gastrointestinal Stent Insertion in Malignant and Benign Disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices
• Interventional Endoscopy

Background:

• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) obstructions are increasingly managed with stents.
• Initially for palliative care in esophageal cancer, GI stents are now used for benign strictures.
• Stent-related complications and recurrent obstructions necessitate improved stent designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving role of upper GI stents.
• To discuss indications, methods, complications, and outcomes for malignant and benign conditions.
• To highlight advancements in stent technology, particularly self-expandable metal stents (SEMS).

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on upper GI stent applications.
• Analysis of stent types, including traditional plastic stents and modern SEMS.
• Examination of clinical outcomes and complication profiles associated with various stent designs.

Main Results:

• Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have largely replaced older plastic stents.
• Newly designed SEMS incorporate features to mitigate common complications.
• Upper GI stents are effective in managing both malignant and benign strictures of the esophagus and gastroduodenum.

Conclusions:

• Upper GI stents are a vital tool for managing obstructions.
• Advancements in SEMS technology are improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of current upper GI stent practices.