Complications of esophageal prostheses: roentgenologic manifestations

We reviewed the roentgenographic findings in 15 patients who had endoscopic placement of a new type of esophageal prosthesis for obstruction caused by a malignant neoplasm. Each patient was evaluated with an esophagogram. Chest roentgenography and computerized tomography were used to confirm abnormalities seen on esophagography. The complication rate was 74% (11 cases), and included five cases of migration or malposition, two cases of perforation, and one case of obstruction. The recognition of postprocedural complications is paramount to their successful management. The complications associated with this new esophageal prosthesis are no different from those reported with the Celestin tube, though the frequency may be higher.