Endoluminal Silicone-Covered Stenting in Children: Novel Applications and Lessons Learned

Silicone-covered endoluminal stents have been applied to various hollow visceral disorders in adult patients with varying success. Efficacy of retrievable endoluminal stenting in children is less well-established.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with evolving applications of endoluminal silicone-covered stenting in children.

Eight children 19 years and younger having silicone-covered stent placement for various indications at a single institution (2014-2021) were reviewed retrospectively.

Eight patients received a total of 26 silicone-covered stents. Four stent placements (15.4%) were associated with a direct adverse event. To resolve the endoluminal disorder, four patients received multiple stents or further intervention. When evaluating novel applications, clinical benefit was noted for one patient with vaginal atresia, and another after ileal pouch anal anastomosis disruption.

This experience highlights the broad and innovative applications for endoluminal silicone-covered natural orifice stenting in children. Acute processes respond well and rapidly to stenting, although chronic, established fistula may require additional manipulations or surgery.