Polyflex self-expanding,removable plastic stents: assessment of treatment efficacy and safety in a variety of benign and malignant conditions of the esophagus

Background Historically, esophageal fistulas, perforations, and benign and malignant strictures have been managed surgically or with the placement of permanent endoprostheses or metallic stents. Recently, a removable, self-expanding, plastic stent has become available. The authors investigated the use of this new stent at their institution. Methods The study reviewed all the patients who received a Polyflex stent for an esophageal indication at the authors’ institution between January 2004 and October 2006. Duration of placement, complications, and treatment efficacy were recorded. Results A total of 37 stents were placed in 30 patients (14 women and 16 men) with a mean age of 68 years (range, 28–92 years). Stent placement included 7 for fistulas, 3 for perforations, 1 for an anastomotic leak, 7 for malignant strictures, and 19 for benign strictures (8 anastomotic, 1 caustic, 5 reflux, 2 radiation, and 2 autoimmune esophagitis strictures, and 1 post-Nissen gas bloat stricture). The mean follow-up period was 6 months. Stent deployment was successful for all the patients, and no complications resulted from stent placement or removal. Nine stents migrated spontaneously. Three of three perforations and three of five fistulas sealed. Only one stent was removed because of patient discomfort. One patient with a radiation stricture experienced tracheoesophageal fistulas secondary to pressure necrosis. Of 20 patients with stricture, 18 experienced improvement in their dysphagia. Conclusion Self-expanding, removable plastic stents are easily and safely placed and removed from the esophagus. This has facilitated their use in the authors’ institution for an increasing number of esophageal conditions. Further studies to help define their ultimate role in benign and malignant esophageal pathology are warranted.     

Comparison of plastic prostheses and self-expandable metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis

OBJECTIVE: We compared the efficacy of plastic prostheses and self-expandable metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and/or fistula. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects were 31 patients with esophageal cancer, 4 with esophagotracheal fistula, and 1 with esophageal stenosis. A plastic prosthesis was inserted in 15 patients (group A) and a self-expandable metallic stent in 21 patients (group B). We evaluated food ingestion improvement, effectiveness, complications, mean survival, food ingestion duration, the percentage of food ingestion capability in total survival time, and inhospital mortality. RESULTS: No differences were seen in food intake improvement or in the effectiveness between groups, whereas fatal complications were higher in Group A. No significant differences were seen in mean survival, food ingestion duration, percentage of food ingestion capability, or inhospital mortality between groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a self-expandable metallic stent was safer than a plastic prosthesis because of fewer serious complications such as bleeding, and recommended the use of metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and/or fistula.     

Use of Polyflex Airway stent in the treatment of perforated esophageal stricture in an infant: a case report

Anastomotic stricture is a common sequela after primary repair of esophageal atresia with esophagoesophagostomy. Esophageal perforation secondary to dilatation of the stricture, and refractory stricture are not uncommon. We present a case using a Polyflex Airway stent (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) as an alternative treatment of esophageal stricture and perforation in an infant.     

Self-expanding metallic stents in the treatment of benign colorectal disease: indications and outcomes

OBJECTIVE: The use of stents for benign colorectal obstruction is considered controversial because of a lack of data and perceived high failure and complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications and outcomes following stent placement for benign colorectal disease in a UK district general hospital and to review the published literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2004, 11 of 90 attempted stent insertions were performed for benign colorectal disease (diverticular disease, 4; anastomotic strictures, 4; idiopathic rectal stricture, 1; rectal endometriosis, 1; caecal volvulus, 1). Complications and outcomes were analysed from a prospective database. RESULTS: Stent insertion was successful in nine patients. Early complications occurred in two patients (both with diverticular disease): one patient failed to decompress and needed a colostomy and laparotomy was performed in a second patient who developed peritonitis after five days although no stent perforation of the bowel was identified. Two patients were successfully decompressed and underwent subsequent elective surgery with full bowel preparation. Stent placement resulted in symptomatic improvement in three out of four patients with anastomotic strictures (allowing closure of defunctioning stomas) and in the one patient with an idiopathic rectal stricture. Stent migration occurred in two of these patients without recurrence of symptoms. Stent fracture occurred in one patient, who remained symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding metallic stents are an effective treatment for benign colorectal obstructions, especially anastomotic strictures with long-term patency. Stents should be avoided in acute diverticular disease because of a higher incidence of complications.     

Use of self-expandable metal stents for the treatment of esophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks

Background  Esophageal perforations and extensive anastomotic leaks after esophageal resection or gastrectomy are surgical emergencies with high mortality rates. In recent years, the use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) has emerged as a promising treatment alternative for bridging and sealing the damage. This study aimed to evaluate the role of covered SEMS for the management of esophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks. Methods  All esophageal stent placement procedures (174 procedures for 157 patients) at the authors’ unit between January 1999 and April 2008 were assessed by a retrospective chart review. Of the 157 patients, 10 (6.4%) were treated with SEMS for sealing of an iatrogenic esophageal perforation (n = 4), a spontaneous esophageal rupture in Boerhaave’s syndrome (n = 4), or an anastomotic leakage (n = 2). Results  The median time from perforation or anastomotic leak to stent insertion was 13 days (range, 2 h to 48 days). The esophageal leak was totally sealed for 8 (80%) of 10 patients. The overall mortality rate was 50% (n = 5), and three (30%) of the five deaths were related to the perforation (n = 2) or leakage (n = 1). In both of the perforation cases, the diagnosis and treatment were substantially delayed. One patient with an anastomotic leak after gastrectomy died of the complication despite successful operative and SEMS treatment. Two of the deaths were unrelated to the perforation. In both cases, the cause of death was a disseminated malignant disease. Conclusions  Traumatic perforations and anastomotic leaks can be treated effectively with covered SEMS together with adequate drainage of the thoracic cavity even in cases of severely ill patients with inveterate esophageal perforations and leaks.     

The use of self-expanding silicone stents in esophageal cancer care: optimal pre-, peri-, and postoperative care

Background  Preoperative nutritional supplementation, management of esophageal leaks, and postoperative anastomotic strictures still remain common problems in the management of esophageal cancer. Jejunal feeding tubes, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with nasogastric suction, and repeated esophageal dilations remain the most common treatments, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of removable silicone stents in (1) the preoperative nutritional optimization during neoadjuvant therapy, (2) the management of perioperative anastomotic leak, and (3) the management of postoperative anastomotic strictures. Methods  Review of our prospectively maintained esophageal database identified 15 patients who had removable self-expanding silicone stents placed in the management of one of these three management problems from July 2004 to August 2006. Results  Preoperative therapy: Five patients underwent initial stent placement in preparation for neoadjuvant therapy. Dysphagia relief was seen in 100% of patients, with optimal caloric needs taken within 24 h of placement. All patients tolerated neoadjuvant therapy without delay from dehydration or malnutrition. One stent migration was found at the time of operation, which was removed without sequelae. Perioperative therapy: Five patients developed delayed (>10 days) esophageal leaks that were managed with removable esophageal stent and percutaneous drainage (in three patients). All patients had successful exclusion of the leak on the day of the procedure with resumption of oral intake on the evening of procedure. All five healed leaks without sequelae. Postoperative therapy: Five patients developed postoperative anastomotic strictures that required dilation and placement of removable esophageal stent. The median number of dilations was 1 (range 1–2), with all stents placed for approximate 3 months duration. All patients had immediate dysphagia relief after stent placement. Conclusion  Removable esophageal stents are novel treatment option to optimize relief of symptoms and return the patients back to a more normal oral intake. Continued evaluation is needed to consider stent use as first-line therapy.     

Expanding wire stents in benign tracheobronchial disease: indications and complications.

Prosthetic tracheobronchial stents provide palliative treatment for narrowed airways where surgical resection is inadvisable. Over a 1-year period, 28 Gianturco expanding wire stents were used in 15 patients for nonneoplastic indications: pure fibrous airway stenosis (6), fibroinflammatory stenosis (4), and tracheobronchial malacia (5). Insertion was technically straightforward. A satisfactory airway lumen with immediate improvement in ventilatory function was obtained in all patients. After insertion all patients had an irritation-type cough that either subsided spontaneously (10 patients) or was successfully suppressed with inhaled corticosteroid therapy (5 patients). The most common complication (12 patients) was granuloma formation leading to stent removal in 3 patients with fibroinflammatory stenosis. Other complications were dysphagia (1), suction catheter entrapment (1), and fatal massive hemoptysis (1). At a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 3 to 19 months) all remaining stents are functioning well with no displacement or infection. Overall results were satisfactory in pure fibrous stenoses and tracheobronchial malacia but poor in the presence of inflammation. Tracheobronchial wire stents can be successfully used in selected patients.     

复杂食管异物的诊治(附64例报告)

目的总结复杂食管异物的诊治经验. 方法回顾性分析我院1994年1月～2004年7月64例复杂食管异物的临床资料,分析异物种类和停留部位. 结果动物骨类异物占50.0%(32/64),义齿占20.3%(13/64),枣核占14.1%(9/64),其它异物占15.6%(10/64).异物停留在第一、二、三狭窄区分别占68.7%(44/64)、26.6%(17/64)、1.6%(1/64),2例(2/64,3.1%)停留在食管癌术后吻合口上方.与50岁以下患者相比,50岁以上患者义齿类异物及第二狭窄区异物比例增高,分别为30.0%(9/30)与43.3%(13/30),差异有显著性(P<0.05);59例经内镜取出异物治愈,3例颈侧切开治愈,2例转院治疗.食管穿孔6例,4例由食管异物本身造成,2例取异物时手术所致;5例异物取出经保守治愈,1例异物未取出转院治疗. 结论详细询问病史,了解异物种类、停留部位和对周围组织损伤的程度,选择适当麻醉、内镜与操作手法,对安全取出异物以及预防并发症极为重要.     

Treatment-related complications in patients with esophageal cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundThe aim of this review was to compare the available treatments of esophageal cancer, in terms of pulmonary, cardiovascular complications, anastomotic leakage, and esophagitis after treatment in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsMedline, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Embase were searched. The randomized controlled trials (RCT) that had compared the treatment -related complications of treatments for esophageal SCC were included. We included 39 randomized control trials in a network meta-analysis. The Chi2-test was used to assess of heterogeneity. The loop-specific and design-by-treatment interaction methods were used for assessment of consistency assumption. The risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the effect-sizes in the network meta-analysis.ResultsThe pulmonary complication, cardiac complication, anastomotic leakage, and esophagitis were reported in 31, 11, 17, and 15 RCTs respectively. Video-assisted thoracoscopy + laparoscopy (VATS) was rank as the first and second treatment in terms of lower risk for pulmonary complication and anastomotic leakage. There was no statistically significant difference between treatments in terms of lower risk of cardiovascular complications. However, Surgery + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil (SCF) was ranked as better treatment. 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy + Docetaxel + Cisplatin (3DCRTDC) was the best treatment in terms of lower risk for esophagitis.ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, it seems the risk of pulmonary, cardiovascular, anastomotic leakage and esophagitis complications for VATS, SCF, surgery + radiotherapy (SRT), and 3DCRTDC was lower than other treatments respectively in the networks.     

Self-expanding esophageal stents for the management of benign refractory esophageal strictures in children: A systematic review and review of outcomes at a single center

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate our outcomes and complication rate following placement of self-expanding esophageal stents in children for the management of refractory esophageal strictures and comparing these to the existing literature.MethodsOutcomes following placement of stents in consecutive patients under 18 years at a single center from 2003 to 2018 were reviewed. A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted identifying studies with 5 or more children evaluating self-expanding stents published from 1975 to 2018. Endpoints for both the retrospective and systematic reviews were the requirement for further intervention and stent-associated complications.Results25 patients received 65 stents. There were 12 caustic injury-related strictures (48%), 9 anastomotic strictures (36%), and 4 esophagitis-related strictures (16%). Four patients were lost to follow-up. 19/21 patients (90%) required further intervention, and 8/21 (38%) had esophageal replacement. Nine studies, all case series, were included in the systematic review. 97 patients received 160 stents for esophageal strictures and/or perforation. 36 out of 69 patients (52%) with strictures required no further treatment post-stenting, and 22/29 (76%) of esophageal perforations closed with stenting.ConclusionsEsophageal stents may have a role as a bridge to definitive surgery and for the management of esophageal leaks, but complete stricture resolution post-stenting is unlikely.Type of StudyTreatment Study (Case Series with no Comparison Group)Level of EvidenceLevel IV     

Lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction in esophageal atresia: nocturnal regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia

The association between lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence, gastroesophageal reflux, and recurrent pneumonia in patients who have undergone successful repair of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula is demonstrated in this study. The efficacy of esophageal manometric examination in the evaluation of the LES in young children after EA repair is documented. This study also provides evidence that infants and children with LES incompetence associated with EA may have LES responsiveness to bethanechol. Once established by manometry, this responsiveness may be used to manage the patient until surgical repair would be advantageous.     

Detection of telomerase activity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and normal esophageal epithelium

Background/aims: Relatively little has been reported about the telomerase activity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or normal esophageal epithelium. In this study, we have evaluated whether telomerase activity is a useful marker for detecting malignancies in the esophagus. Patients/methods: Esophageal carcinomas and normal esophageal tissues adjacent to carcinomas were obtained from 52 surgically treated, unselected patients, and normal esophageal epithelium from 11 non-cancerous patients were obtained by means of biopsy. The telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay was used for detection of telomerase activity in these samples. The incidence of detection of telomerase activity in esophageal carcinoma was compared with that of telomerase activity in normal esophageal epithelium. Moreover, the clinicopathological characteristics of telomerase-positive tumors were compared with those of telomerase-negative tumors. Results: Of the 52 carcinomas, 40 (77%) had detectable telomerase activity. However, telomerase activity was detected in 45 of 52 (87%) normal tissue samples adjacent to carcinomas and in 8 of 11 (73%) normal esophageal epithelium from non-cancerous patients. In esophageal cancer, no significant difference was detected in the clinicopathological findings between the telomerase-positive and -negative cases. Conclusion: These results indicate that not only esophageal squamous cell carcinomas but also normal esophageal epithelium show strong telomerase activity. Thus, telomerase activity may not be a good marker for the detection of carcinoma in the esophagus. Received: 16 March 1999 Accepted: 8 July 1999     

Delayed blind-pouch apposition,guide wire placement,and nonoperative establishment of luminal continuity in a child with long gap esophageal atresia

Delayed primary esophago-esophagostomy is the most physiologically attractive approach to establish luminal continuity in children with pure esophageal atresia. However, excessive tension on the mobilized esophageal ends can lead to anastomotic separation and severe leakage. To circumvent these complications, the blind pouches of a 2-month-old child were approximated unopened when, during the extrapleural thoracotomy, a conventional anastomosis was not feasible. A suture was passed through the tip of the 2 ends and made to exit through the mouth and the gastrostomy. After healing occurred, the suture was replaced under fluoroscopic control by a Seldinger-type wire. A vein dilator then was passed over the wire, establishing the continuity between the esophageal segments. Subsequent dilatations increased the anastomosis to the desired diameter. Leakage and an additional thoracotomy were avoided, and the hospital stay was shortened. The child, now 6 years old, is well and swallows normally.     

Increasing tendency in caustic esophageal burns and long-term polytetrafluorethylene stenting in severe cases: 10 years experience

In recent years, lye products have come into common household use in Turkey. Unfortunately, we have noted more cases of serious corrosive esophagitis owing to accidental caustic agent ingestion. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate our experience with these cases and (2) investigate the effects of long-term intraesophageal polytetraflourethylene stenting on esophageal remodeling and its impact upon the need for esophageal replacement. Between 1997 and 2006, 68 patients (44 males and 22 females) with accidental caustic agent ingestion were admitted to our department, the only tertiary care referral center for the Turkish Army. Once stabilized, esophagoscopy was performed for injury grading (grades 0, 1, 2a, 3b, 3a, or 3b) as described by Millar and Cywes (Pediatric surgery. 1998;969-979). Esophagogram was performed 3 weeks after injury to assess healing. At presentation, the injury grade for 24, 31, 11, and 1 cases were 0 or 1, 2a, 2b, and 3a, respectively. One case had gastric outlet obstruction. All cases of grade 0 or 1 injuries had a normal esophagogram at 3 weeks postinjury. For the remaining 44 patients, several treatment modalities have been applied, including antegrade and retrograde dilatations in 31 grade 2a patients, intraluminal stenting in 11 grade 2b patients, esophageal reconstruction in 1 grade 3a patient, and gastroenterostomy in 1. Of the 11 patients with esophageal stenting, 8 patients have resumed a normal diet after 9 to 14 months of stenting. Mean follow up duration is 3.5 years (1-6 years) after stent removal. In the remaining 3 cases, treatment is still ongoing. Esophagitis and esophageal structuring because of caustic agent ingestion is a major public health problem in Turkey. Our small uncontrolled pilot series suggests that intraluminal polytetraflourethylene stenting may be an effective treatment method to reduce the need for major surgical reconstruction of recalcitrant esophageal strictures.     

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: technique, indication, and outcomes

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been developed as an incisionless, minimally invasive endoscopic treatment intending a permanent cure for esophageal achalasia. The concept of endoscopic myotomy was first reported about 3 decades ago, but the direct incision method through the mucosal layer was not considered to be a safe and reliable approach. A novel method of endoscopic myotomy was developed and established by the authors. In this article, the current techniques, applications, and clinical results of POEM are described.     

Surgery in lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis: indications,outcomes and complications. A systematic review

Purpose

This systematic review summarises the literature on patient selection, decision-making, effectiveness and outcomes in the surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS).

Introduction

In daily practice, decision-making in the treatment of LDS is challenging. There is little consensus on either the precise indications or prognostic factors for any specific therapy (operative or non-operative).

Methods

We searched for LDS trials published between 01.01.1990 and 16.11.2011 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Cinahl. Two independent reviewers selected studies according to the inclusion criteria. Data were then extracted by two of the authors. Quality assessment was performed using the Downs and Black list for the clinical trials/studies and AMSTAR for the reviews.

Results

Data synthesis: 21 papers met the inclusion criteria (2 studies comprising both a RCT and a concurrent observational analysis, 1 RCT, 6 prospective studies, 8 retrospective studies, 3 reviews, 1 review guideline). The quality of the clinical studies was on average “fair” [mean score 15.6 points (range 10–19) out of 24 points (Downs and Black)]. The quality of the reviews ranged from 1 to 7 out of 11 points with an average of 5 points (AMSTAR). The study outcomes could not be subject to meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of study design and variable measure used.

Conclusions

Despite there being many articles describing and/or comparing different surgical options for LDS, there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions concerning clear indications for specific types of surgical treatment, predictors of outcome or complication rates. There remains a need to establish a decision-making tool to facilitate daily clinical practice and to assure appropriate treatment for patients with LDS.     

胸腹腔镜联合食管癌切除经胸骨后胃-食管颈部器械吻合术后患者生活质量的评价

目的评价胸腔镜和腹腔镜联合行食管癌切除,经胸骨后胃一食管颈部圆形吻合器吻合术与颈胸腹三切口食管癌切除术对患者术后生活质量的影响。方法南方医科大学南方医院胸心外科于2009年1月至2010年10月手术治疗63例胸部中上段食管癌患者,其中行胸腔镜和腹腔镜联合食管癌切除术33例（A组）,颈胸腹三切口食管癌切除术30例（B组）。采用欧洲癌症研究与治疗组织（EORTC）开发的生活质量核心量表QLQ-C30和食管癌补充量表QLQ—OES18评价患者术后的生活质量。结果两组患者一般资料的比较除吻合方式不同外,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）．A组患者术后分别发生颈部吻合口瘘1例（3．0％,1／33）、颈部切口感染1例（3．0％,1／33）和吻合口狭窄1例（3．0％,1／33）：B组发生吻合口瘘8例（26．7％,8／30）,吻合口狭窄2例（6．7％．2／30）．颈部切口感染1例（3．3％,1／30）,肺部感染6例（20．0％,6／30）;均经保守治疗后好转。A组患者术后在吞咽闲难、进食、疼痛、梗阻、呼吸困难、食欲丧失、疲倦、经济困难、躯体功能、角色功能、情绪功能、认知功能、社会功能及总体健康状况维度方面的评分均优于B组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）：其余维度差异无统计学意义。结论胸腔镜和腹腔镜联合食管癌切除术患者颈部器械吻合后并发症发生率低．生活质量明显优于颈胸腹三切口手术的患者。     

Late esophageal perforation complicating anterior cervical plate fixation in ankylosing spondylitis: a case report and review of the literature

Esophageal perforation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare complication in anterior cervical spine surgery and has not been reported before. A 50-year-old patient with AS developed incomplete tetraplegia after minimal trauma. C5 pedicle fracture was diagnosed and treated predominantly by physical therapy until neurological symptoms progressed. Cervical spine MRI showed C6/7 fracture and spinal cord compression. The patient underwent dorsal laminectomy, C5–7 anterior cervical fusion using allograft iliac crest and CASPAR-plate fixation. Delayed esophageal perforation appeared 10 months postoperatively when he came first to our hospital. He complained of dysphagia and developed acute dyspnea. Posterior stabilization with two plates was performed followed by removal of the ventral plate and screws. The esophageal laceration was sutured. The patient was treated with antibiotics and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Position of fracture and implants were accurate at 18 months postoperatively. The patient had persistent minor neurological deficits (Frankel D) at last follow-up. We conclude that esophageal perforation after anterior spinal fusion is a rare complication. Minor traumas in patients with AS are unstable and can result in significant spinal injury. Dorsoventral stabilization should be performed to avoid further complications.