Endoscopic tube implantation for the palliation of malignant esophageal stenosis

One hundred endoscopic tube implantations were carried out on 95 patients with malignant esophageal stenosis. Palliative treatment was performed in 43% of cases because of the advanced stage of the tumor, and in 57% of cases because of risk factors which made resection inadvisable. Clinical mortality was 16%, with six deaths caused by technical complications (perforation, arrosion bleeding), and ten by cardiopulmonary problems. Dislodgement or obstruction of the prostheses was observed in 20% of cases, but could readily be corrected. The median survival time was two months, with 17% of the patients still alive after six months. Poor general health, advanced age and the presence of distant metastases were established as unfavorable prognostic indications with a significant influence on postoperative mortality. Functional results were good: 87% of patients were able to eat solid or pulpy food post-operatively.