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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
09:40
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
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Endoscopic Palliative Therapies for Esophageal Cancer
Youssef Y Soliman1, Madappa Kundranda2, Toufic Kachaamy1
1Gastroenterology, City of Hope Phoenix, 14200 W Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America
|November 16, 2023
Summary
Palliative care for inoperable esophageal cancer involves complex endoscopic treatments. Esophageal stenting is common, but cryotherapy shows promise for specific patients receiving chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Interventional Endoscopy
Background:
- Dysphagia in inoperable esophageal cancer requires palliative care.
- Systemic therapy is the standard of care, improving survival.
- Endoscopic palliation is complex and requires multidisciplinary expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest evidence on endoscopic palliation for esophageal cancer.
- To discuss various endoscopic modalities and their applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on esophageal cancer palliation.
- Discussion of traditional and emerging endoscopic techniques.
Main Results:
- Esophageal stenting is the most common endoscopic modality.
- Laser and photodynamic therapy are rarely used.
- Cryotherapy shows emerging data, particularly for patients with mild-to-moderate dysphagia undergoing systemic chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic palliation of esophageal cancer is complex and best managed multidisciplinarily.
- Systemic therapy remains the standard of care.
- Cryotherapy represents a promising option for select patients.
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