Esophageal prosthesis in palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction

Esophageal intubation with a plastic prosthesis is a well established palliative treatment for esophageal carcinoma. The technique is safer with endoscopy than previous surgical techniques. Advantages of stent include rapid and long lasting relief of dysphagia in most patients with carcinoma esophagus. Repeated procedures are not required. Placement of prosthesis is the treatment of choice in BEF. Cost is less compared to other palliative modalities such as laser. SEMS have distinct advantages over conventional prosthesis as they may be inserted with less trauma and fewer complications. Diet needs occasionally to be limited to soft or blenderized foods to prevent occlusion. A disadvantage of uncovered SEMS is short duration of palliation due to tumor ingrowth which can be overcome with availability of covered SEMS. Starvation is the most common cause of death in patients with esophageal malignancy. Prosthesis combats deterioration and leads to rapid weight gain. Overall, single time procedure without general anaesthesia, short hospital stay and immediate improvement in dysphagia are considerable gains.