[Endoscopic palliation of malignant esophageal stenoses]

The choice of the appropriate endoscopic procedure for treating a malignant esophageal obstruction depends on the tumor localisation, the tumor configuration, on specific patient data and last but not least on the technical possibilities of the hospital involved. Successfully performed is the mechanical dilatation, the tube insertion and stent implantation, the laser therapy, the argon plasma coagulation and the local sclerotherapy. The procedures differ in rate of complication, long term palliation and the improvement of dysphagia. In a case discussion we demonstrate that in the wide range of disease and patient specific facts that have to be dealt with, only the combined use of different endoscopic procedures will lead to the best results.