Treatment of a malignant stricture after esophagojejunostomy by a self-expanding metallic stent

Gianturco self-expanding metallic stents (GSs) were placed across an esophagojejunostomy which had become strictured secondary to recurrent anastomotic gastric cancer. Placement of the GS enabled the patient to take liquid food and swallow saliva, though only for a short period of time. One month after placement, the stented lumen restrictured with a markedly irregular contour. The patient's clinical status deteriorated with eventual occlusion of the stented anastomosis. The patient died of renal insufficiency 80 days after placement of the stent. There are some questions concerning the stability of applying the Gianturco-type bare stent to the digestive tract. In the future, more suitable stents will have to be developed.