Treatment of oncogenic emergencies in esophageal disease

Common oncogenic emergent conditions of the esophagus are esophageal fistula with malignancy and peptic ulcer, perforation by a foreign body, and rupture (Boerhaave's syndrome) and bleeding with malignancy. The current standard of palliative therapy for patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistula is endoscopic replacement using covered self-expandable metallic stents in the esophagus and/or trachea. We successfully treated two patients with esophageal bleeding caused by malignant ulceration. To prevent the formation of an aortoesophageal fistula, a covered self-expandable metallic stent was inserted into the esophagus and aorta. Insertion of covered self-expandable metallic stents in patients with esophageal malignancies significantly improves dysphagia, seals fistulas/perforations and ulcerations, and is associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Spontaneous esophageal rupture, also known as Boerhaave's syndrome, is a rare condition. Primary repair is appropriate for ruptures diagnosed early. Many are diagnosed late and T-tube drainage may be the simplest way to manage this difficult condition in this situation.     

Our experience with the use of a plastic prosthesis and self-expanding stents in the palliative treatment of malignant neoplastic stenoses of the esophagus and cardia. Comparative analysis of results

Rapid palliation of malignant dysphagia is usually possible by means of the endoscopic implantation of a plastic prosthesis, but this device has a high morbidity rate. Recently, expandable metal stents have become available and may reduce the morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate self-expanding metal stents compared with conventional plastic prosthesis in malignant strictures of the oesophagus and cardia. One hundred and thirteen endoscopic tube implantations were carried out in 120 patients with malignant stenosis of the oesophagus and cardia using a plastic prosthesis over the period 1980-1993 (72 cases) and self-expanding metal stents over the period 1993-2001 (48 cases). The underlying causes of strictures were oesophageal or cardial cancer in 108 cases and oesophageal invasion by lung cancer in 12. The indications for endoscopic intubation were advanced tumour stage and/or risk factors which made resection inadvisable. The stents used in the conventional group were the Celestin pulsion tube in 18, the Atkinson prosthesis in 23 and the Wilson-Cook tube in 27, while the Ultraflex stent was always employed in the other group. Dysphagia was scored according to the Atkinson and Ferguson classification and the preoperative median score (3.6) was comparable in the two groups. The technical success rate was 94.4% with the plastic prosthesis (68/72) and 93.7% with the self-expanding metal stents (45/48) because in 4 and 3 patients, respectively, it proved impossible to implant the stent. After intubation the dysphagia score was improved in both groups (median score = 0.9) and the functional success rates were 85.2% (58/68) and 88.8% (40/45), respectively, while 10 and 5 patients showed no improvement of symptoms. The early complication rate was 5.9% (4/68) in the conventional stent group (1 perforation, 2 severe bleedings and 1 stent proximal migration) and nil in the other group. Late complications occurred in 14 (20.6%) (7 food obstruction, 4 neoplastic obstructions and 3 dislodgements) and 9 patients (20%) (3 neoplastic obstructions, 1 food obstruction, 3 distal migrations and 2 bleedings), respectively, but all the complications were easily corrected. Three deaths occurred with the plastic prosthesis (4.4%), while the mortality was nil with the metal stents. The median survival times were 183 (range: 58-486) and 151 days (range; 25-545), respectively. Our experience suggests that endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents is effective and safe for the management of dysphagia in malignant strictures of the oesophagus and cardia and has to be preferred to conventional plastic prostheses for easier implantation. The technical and functional success rates are similar in both groups, but the acute complication and mortality rates of the Ultraflex prosthesis are lower as compared to the traditional prosthesis.     

Temporary stenting of acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistulas in critically ill ventilated patients

Background: To evaluate the use of esophageal stents for temporary sealing of acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistulas developed in critically ill, ventilated patients.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis (1992–2003) of the data of 12 mechanically ventilated patients — six of them after major or multiple trauma — being intubated for a median of 30 days before they develop an acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula. Five of them were in sepsis. Two types of stents were used: the Wilson-Cook esophageal balloon plastic stent in the first four cases and the Ultraflex covered self-expandable stent in the remaining eight. The total procedure was performed at bedside in the intensive care unit, with no special need for supplementary anesthesia or fluoroscopic control.Results: Stent implantation was technically successful in all patients and fistula occlusion was achieved in every case. There was no stent migration and fistulas remained sealed until death or upon decision for removal. Nine patients died between 5 days and 2 months after stent placement, as a result of their diseases. Three patients were referred for fistula surgical repair 33, 36, and 43 days after stent placement. Before surgery the stents were easily removed under direct vision.Conclusion: Temporary closure of an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula developed in critically ill ventilated patients is an easy, bedside-applicable, safe, and effective palliative procedure, with no complications or mortality.     

T-Tube Management of a Major Leakage of the Cervical Esophagogastrostomy After Subtotal Esophagectomy: Report of Three Cases

A major leakage of the cervical esophagogastrostomy caused by necrosis of the esophageal substitute was successfully managed in three patients by inserting a T-tube. After partial necrosis of the gastric tube had been confirmed, a T-tube was inserted into the esophagus and the gastric tube through the reopened cervical wound. In one patient, a plastic esophageal prosthesis and subsequently, a covered self-expandable metallic stent were intubated over the fistula after T-tube removal to prevent salivary leakage and anastomotic stenosis. In the other two patients, the sump tube, which had been inserted through the gastrostomy for decompression during surgery, was replaced with a large chest drainage tube, the tip of which was positioned in the esophagus, after T-tube removal. The fistula was closed without severe stenosis, and oral feeding was resumed on postoperative days 71 and 64, respectively.     

Successful endoscopical sealing of malignant esophageotracheal fistulae by using a covered self-expandable stenting system.

OBJECTIVE: Any treatment of tracheo-esophageal fistulae in end-stage malignant stenosis of the esophagus must be weighed against associated morbidity and mortality. In a prospective study we investigated benefits and risks of the use of one type of coated, self-expandable stent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated four male and two female patients, (mean age 68.3 years, range: 38-90 years), with malignant esophago-tracheal fistula non-resectable due to advanced tumour stage and/or functional reasons. All were in a poor general condition suffering from aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Four out of the six patients had had one or multiple extra- or endoluminal palliative treatments at a mean interval of 191 days (range: 7 days-15 ms) since the last intervention. The fistulae were sealed by using a covered, self-expandable stent (ULTRAFLEX esophageal stent system, Microinvasive, Boston Scientific Corporation, Boston, MA). RESULTS: Stenting did not cause any technical problems and all fistulae were successfully sealed in a one-step procedure. The median hospital stay was 4.6 days (range: 3-9 days). Except for one late stent induced recurrent fistula treated by re-stenting and tracheostomy, we did not observe any stent associated complications. Five patients died of tumour generalization. The median survival of the patients who died was 78 days (range: 35-129 days). One patient is alive and well at 120 days after stenting. CONCLUSION: In spite of the small number of patients the results suggest that this type of stent represents a safe and efficient approach for palliative endoscopic treatment of this high risk group. Local pretreatment does not preclude the successful use of the self-expandable coated stent.     

Removal of metallic stent by using polyflex stent in esophago-colic anastomotic stricture

Benign strictures or anastomoses of the esophagus can be treated by stents. However, short-term and long-term complications, including migration and hyperplastic tissue reaction can occur. Bowel reconstruction by interposition has been performed after esophagectomy. Stricture of cervical anastomosis is an important late complication. Self-expandable metallic stents have been used to improve this problem. To remove the obstructed metallic stent, self-expandable covered plastic stents can be used. Herein we present the removal technique of tissue-embedded self-expandable metallic stents by using self-expandable covered plastic stents after colon interposition in a case of benign cervical anastomosis of the esophagus due to caustic stricture.     

Double stenting for esophageal and tracheobronchial stenoses

Background. We examined the complications and outcomes of placing stents for both esophageal and tracheobronchial stenoses.

Methods. We placed stents for both esophageal and tracheobronchial stenoses in 8 patients (7 with esophageal cancer and 1 with lung cancer). Covered or noncovered metallic stents were used for the esophageal stenoses, except in 1 patient treated with a silicone stent. Silicone stents were used for the tracheobronchial stenoses. The grades of esophageal and tracheobronchial stenoses were scored.

Results. All patients experienced improvement of grades of both dysphagia and respiratory symptoms after stent therapy. The complications were: (1) 2 patients suffered respiratory distress after placement of the esophageal stent because of compression of the trachea by the stent; and (2) 3 patients developed new esophagotracheobronchial fistulae, and 2 patients had recurring fistula symptoms because of growth of preexisting fistulae after the stent placement, which were caused by pressure from the 2 stents. Despite the fistulae, the 5 patients treated with covered metallic stents did not complain of fistula symptoms, but 2 patients treated with noncovered metallic or silicone stents did complain.

Conclusions. For patients with both esophageal and tracheobronchial stenoses, a stent should be introduced into the tracheobronchus first. Because placement of stents in both the esophagus and tracheobronchus has a high risk of enlargement of the fistula, a covered metallic stent is preferable for esophageal cancer involving the tracheobronchus.     

Randomized clinical trial comparing self-expanding metallic stents with plastic endoprostheses in the palliation of oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence of the clinical and cost effectiveness of self-expanding metallic stents in the palliation of oesophageal cancer. The aims of this randomized trial were to evaluate the immediate and medium-term clinical outcomes following palliative intubation, examine patient quality of life, and evaluate costs and benefits from the perspective of the health service. METHODS: Fifty patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer were randomly allocated a metallic stent (n = 25) or plastic endoprosthesis (n = 25). Patients were followed up monthly until death. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in procedure-related complications or mortality rate between the two groups. There was a trend towards significance in favour of metallic stents with respect to quality of life and survival (median survival 62 versus 107 days for plastic prosthesis and metallic stent respectively). The cost of the initial placement of metallic stents was significantly higher than that of plastic endoprostheses ( pound 983 versus pound 296). After 4 weeks, cost differences were no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Metallic stents may contribute to improved survival and quality of life in patients with oesophageal cancer. Although initially more expensive, this cost difference does not last beyond 4 weeks. A larger trial involving approximately 300 patients would be required to detect a quality of life benefit of the magnitude observed in this trial.     

全覆膜食管金属支架治疗高位食管疾病

目的评价全覆膜食管金属支架在高位食管狭窄和瘘以及术后吻合口狭窄和瘘治疗中的有效性和安全性。方法复旦大学附属中山医院内镜中心2005年5月至2013年7月间,应用16mm全覆膜食管金属支架对84例高位食管狭窄和瘘以及术后吻合口狭窄和瘘进行治疗。其中食管癌性狭窄31例,食管外压性狭窄2例,食管癌放疗后狭窄10例,食管癌术后复发致狭窄4例,吻合口狭窄27例,内镜黏膜下剥离术后食管狭窄1例,食管．气管瘘7例,食管一纵隔瘘1例,食管癌术后残胃瘘1例。狭窄或瘘口上缘距中切牙距离15～20cm者48例,大于20cm者36例。结果84例患者共置入100枚支架,术中无出血和穿孔等并发症发生。支架置入术后患者吞咽困难、呛咳症状均迅速缓解。术后并发症发生率为6．0％（5／84）,其中严重胸痛2例,经止痛药物缓解;气管塌陷1例,予气管切开术;支架移位2例,内镜下应用异物钳对支架位置进行调整。76例（90．5％）患者获得完整随访,5-3％（4／76）的患者出现再狭窄,2．6％（2／76）新发食管．气管瘘;其中5例接受再次内镜下置入全覆膜金属支架术并获成功,另1例经沙氏探条扩张及氩离子凝固术治疗效果满意。结论全覆膜食管金属支架治疗高位食管狭窄和瘘以及术后吻合口狭窄和瘘安全、有效,可考虑作为临床首选。     

Unresectable Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Treatment by Self-Expandable Biliary Endoprostheses

The primary goal in the treatment of malignant obstruction is the relief of jaundice. Although operative biliary bypass is a reliable method of palliation, nonoperative palliation may be desirable in selected patients.We report our experience with forty-eight self expandable metallic biliary endoprostheses (Wallstent) percutaneously placed in 35 patients with irresectable malignant biliary obstruction. In twelve patients more than one stent was necessary to bridge the entire length of the biliary stenosis. The obstruction was due to primary tumors in 14 and to lymph node metastases in 12. In nine patients transanastomotic stents were placed after previous bilioenteric anastomosis because of malignant obstruction. Complications occurred in 11 patients (31.4%), and five patients died within 30 days of stent placement (14.3%). The mean stent patency to date of patients discharged is 6.1 months, and the mean survival 7.2 months. Follow up data is available for 29 patients, and excellent palliation was achieved for more than 75% of the survival time in 22 (76%). Seven patients have had documented stent occlusion requiring further intervention (24%).In this selected group of patients, the results of percutaneous self-expandable stents are encouraging. However, our data does not support the initial reports of self-expandable endoprostheses that suggest an improved result compared to conventional plastic stents. A randomized study using either expandable stents as compared to operative biliary enteric bypass is necessary.     

Double stenting with silicone and metallic stents for malignant airway stenosis

For severe malignant airway stenosis, there are several types of commercially available airway stents, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. We herein describe the safety and efficacy of combination stenting with silicone and metallic stents for patients with extended malignant airway stenosis. Seven patients with malignant airway stenosis were treated via combination stenting with a silicone stent and a metallic stent for extended airway stenosis from the central to peripheral airways. Five patients were diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer, two of whom had tracheoesophageal fistulas. One patient had adenoid cystic carcinoma, and another had mediastinal tumor. There were no specific complications related to the double stenting. Combination stenting with silicone and metallic stents proved to be a safe option for patients with severe, extended, and complicated malignant airway stenosis.     

应用带膜支架治疗晚期食管癌贲门癌

目的　探讨置入国产CZES型自膨式带膜支架 ,结合其它疗法综合施治重症晚期食管癌贲门癌病人的疗效。方法　采用内镜法、介入法、混合法、手术法 ,为晚期食管癌、贲门癌、食管瘘、吻合口漏、吻合口癌复发或吻合口狭窄病人 15 1例 ,共置入 15 9个支架 ,继而 132例实施放、化疗和中药综合施治。结果　疗效满意 ,明显改善了病人生活质量 ,体质增强 ,进食困难分级由 3.12级降至 1.0 5级 ,肿瘤缩小 2 2～ 3 4cm ,体重增加 1～ 6kg ,置入支架后生存 1 5～ 36个月。结论　置入支架结合综合施治行之有效 ,操作简便、安全可靠 ,适用于临床 ,易于推广     

Endoscopic treatment of acute colorectal obstruction with self-expandable metallic stents

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and security of treatment with self-expandable metallic stents for acute colonic obstruction. Methods Retrospectively, we analyzed our experience in placing colonic stents in patients with acute colonic obstruction. Sixty-two patients with malignant colon obstruction were sent to our hospital endoscopic unit from February 1999 through September 2003. The mean age was 75.21 years. A total of 63 self-expandable metallic stents were implanted. All procedures were done under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Results Technical success was obtained in 58 patients (93.54%). Clinical improvement and resolution of the obstruction were confirmed in 56 of these 58 patients (96.55%) within 48–72 h. Sixteen complications were observed in 11 patients (19%). Twelve cases were minor complications: five patients had pain and rectal tenesmus, and there were seven cases of distal migration of the stent. Four patients (6.9%) had severe complications. Three patients underwent surgery to resolve colonic perforations and one patient developed a colovesical fistula 7 months after stent placement. The stent was used as a bridge to the elective surgery in 22 patients (37.93%). The mean time between stent placement and surgery was 7.66 days (range, 2–20). The stent was used as a definitive palliative treatment in 36 patients (62.07%). Conclusion Stenting was a useful treatment of acute malignant colonic obstruction. The use of stents as a “bridge to the elective surgery” allowed the intestinal preparation, general status restoration, and a one-stage operation with resection and primary reanastomosis. We have also used the stents as a definitive palliative treatment, avoiding surgery in those patients with a very widely metastatic disease or who cannot undergo operation because of comorbid underlying conditions.     

The palliation of dysphagia secondary to esophageal-cardial carcinoma with self-expandable metal prostheses. The authors' personal experience with 92 patients]

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic insertion of a stent is an important option in the palliative management of esophageal obstruction and esophagorespiratory fistula. Plastic stents have been available for over 20 years. A new class of self-expanding metal stents for palliation of esophageal and cardial cancer is now available. METHODS: Between September 1992 and October 1997, 92 patients underwent implantation of self-expanding metal stents for palliation of dysphagia due to inoperable esophageal or cardial cancer (65 patients) or for locally recurrent carcinoma after surgery (12 patients), laser-therapy (11 patients) or radiotherapy (4 patients). RESULTS: Successful stent implantation was achieved in 89/92 patients (96.7%). After stent implantation the dysphagia score improved from 3.0, on average, to 0.5, on average. Early complications were observed in 4.5% and peroperative mortality was 2.1%. Late complications were observed in 25.6%, with a mortality rate of 1.1%. The mean survival time was 6.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding metal stents are a new effective alternative for palliation of dysphagia due to esophageal and cardial cancers.     

内镜置入胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌

目的 探讨通过内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年7月至2009年7月成都军区总医院收治的73例肝门部胆管癌患者行内镜胆道金属支架置入术的操作成功率、减黄有效率、支架通畅时间和生存时间以及术后并发症.结果 支架置入成功70例,3例失败.其中单金属支架置入62例,双侧金属支架置入3例,金属支架+塑料支架置人5例.减黄有效率为87%(61/70),中位支架通畅时间为190 d,中位生存时间为246 d.术后发生胆管炎7例,胰腺炎3例,出血2例.结论 内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌创伤小、减黄效果好,可作为无法手术切除的肝门部胆管癌患者解除胆道恶性梗阻的首选治疗方法.     

内镜置入胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌

目的 探讨通过内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年7月至2009年7月成都军区总医院收治的73例肝门部胆管癌患者行内镜胆道金属支架置入术的操作成功率、减黄有效率、支架通畅时间和生存时间以及术后并发症.结果 支架置入成功70例,3例失败.其中单金属支架置入62例,双侧金属支架置入3例,金属支架+塑料支架置人5例.减黄有效率为87%(61/70),中位支架通畅时间为190 d,中位生存时间为246 d.术后发生胆管炎7例,胰腺炎3例,出血2例.结论 内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌创伤小、减黄效果好,可作为无法手术切除的肝门部胆管癌患者解除胆道恶性梗阻的首选治疗方法.     

内镜置入胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌

目的 探讨通过内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年7月至2009年7月成都军区总医院收治的73例肝门部胆管癌患者行内镜胆道金属支架置入术的操作成功率、减黄有效率、支架通畅时间和生存时间以及术后并发症.结果 支架置入成功70例,3例失败.其中单金属支架置入62例,双侧金属支架置入3例,金属支架+塑料支架置人5例.减黄有效率为87%(61/70),中位支架通畅时间为190 d,中位生存时间为246 d.术后发生胆管炎7例,胰腺炎3例,出血2例.结论 内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌创伤小、减黄效果好,可作为无法手术切除的肝门部胆管癌患者解除胆道恶性梗阻的首选治疗方法.     

Evidence-Based Choice of Esophageal Stent for the Palliative Management of Malignant Dysphagia

BACKGROUND: The type of stent used for the management of patients with malignant dysphagia is chosen according to subjective physician's preference. There is no recent study available to provide updated evidence on early outcomes related to the use of different types of stents. METHODS: A literature search was performed using Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for comparative studies assessing different types of stents. The primary end point was stent-related mortality; secondary end points included: stent-related morbidity, successful palliation of dysphagia, and 30-day mortality. A random-effects model was used and heterogeneity was assessed. RESULTS: Twelve studies that included 911 patients compared metallic (46.54%) and plastic stents (53.45%), and eight studies that included 564 patients compared covered (43.26%) and uncovered metal stents (56.73%). Meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials showed that metallic stents were associated with significantly reduced stent-related mortality (1.7% vs. 11.1% for the plastic group, odds ratio (OR), 0.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06-0.74; P = 0.02), morbidity in the form of reduced esophageal perforation (1.4% vs. 9.4% for plastic stent, OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.89; P = 0.03), and stent migration, yet increased rate of tumor in-growth (13% vs. 1.6% for plastic stents, OR, 4.84; 95% CI, 0.99-23.76; P = 0.05). Covered metallic stents had significantly less tumor in-growth than the uncovered and an increased migration rate. There was no significant difference between metallic and plastic stents in terms of any other stent-related morbidity and 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Self-expanding metallic stents are superior to plastic stents in terms of stent insertion-related mortality, morbidity, and quality of palliation. The uncovered variety is disadvantaged by high rate of tumor in-growth; adequately designed randomized, controlled trials need to examine outcomes and cost-effectiveness of covered versus uncovered metallic stents.     

Late complication after colon self-expandable metal stent placement: a case report

Treatment of acute colorectal malignant obstruction, by using self-expandable metallic stents is useful for both palliative and decompressive therapy before the final surgical treatment. In this case, the patient may be benefit from a period of medical optimization prior to undergoing planned surgical resection by a colorectal surgeon. This is a minimally invasive procedure, relatively safe, which obviates the need for colostomy for evacuation relieving physical and psychological burden and contributing the improvement of quality of life. Furthermore, this method also has the advantage of being cost-effective. The previous experience in the benign biliary stenosis allowed the extension of using the metallic stents also for the treatment of benign colorectal diseases (diverticular occlusion, anastomotic strictures, colonic endometriosis). Complications of colon self-expandable metallic stents placement may occur during the procedure and soon after placement (early complications) or, rarely, late after insertion (late complications). These include bleeding, re-obstruction, pain, tenesmus, stent migration, and perforation. The authors report a case of an 81 year-old woman with inoperable rectal carcinoma with liver metastasis who underwent palliative treatment of self-expanding metallic stent endoscopic placement. One month later, the patient presented with acute abdomen at Accidents and Emergencies Department. The diagnosis was a late rectosigmoid junction perforation by stent placement.     

Self-expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: The use of self-expandable metal stents in relieving dysphagia for patients with incurable malignant oesophageal strictures was retrospectively evaluated. METHODS: Between September 1993 and August 1996, 66 male and 16 female patients with a median age of 72 years received self-expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia. Six patients had concurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistulas. All patients were stented under sedation and stent insertion was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in 80 patients (98%). There were seven early complications (inaccurate positioning (n = 3), migration (n = 1), incomplete expansion (n = 1), intractable pain (n = 1), and perforation (n = 1)). Two complications were lethal and three were treated endoscopically. Mean dysphagia grade improved from 3.2+/-0.7 to 1.8+/-0.9 (P < 0.05) after implantation. All tracheo-esophageal fistulas were successfully occluded. Upon a median follow-up of 8 weeks (range: 2-20 weeks), 30 complications developed in 21 patients (tumour overgrowth (n = 15), food bolus obstruction (n = 7), tumour ingrowth (n = 2), buckling of stent (n = 2), tracheo-esophageal fistula (n = 2), bleeding (n = 1), and gastric wall herniation through metal coils (n = 1)). Median survival was 13 weeks (range: 1-82 weeks). CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metal stents provide useful palliation in patients with incurable malignant dysphagia.