肝细胞癌并发梗阻性黄疸的介入治疗

目的评价介入治疗对于肝细胞癌（HCC）并发梗阻性黄疸的疗效。方法对12例HCC伴发梗阻性黄疸接受介入治疗的患者，首先行PTBD，左侧人路3例，右侧2例，双侧人路7例。在PTC显示胆管形态恢复正常后，8例留置内支架（覆膜支架12枚，裸支架2枚）．另4例单纯留置胆道引流管姑息治疗。结果PTBD成功率100％，4例并发胆管内出血。10例行胆管引流术1周后，血清总胆红素下降50％以上，肝功能好转．另2例在引流2周时血清总胆红素下降50％以上。生存时间自首次PTBD时间起3～13个月．平均生存时间6．2个月，6个月生存率41．67％，1年生存率16．67％。留置内支架的病例平均生存时间为6．52个月，仅行引流术而未植入内支架的病例平均生存时间为6．05个月，二者无显著统计学差异（P〉0．05）。7例患者接受经肝动脉化疗栓塞术治疗未发生并发症。结论有效的胆道引流是治疗HCC合并梗阻性黄疸的关键。胆管引流术和胆道内支架留置术都是有效的治疗方法，能够延长生存时间，创造进一步治疗机会。     

Adjuvant therapies using biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction

The aim of this study was to analyze the patency of expandable metallic stents in malignant biliary obstruction and to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant therapy accompanied by biliary stenting. We analyzed 29 patients in whom bile duct stenting was performed for malignant biliary obstruction. Their types of disease were: hilar ductal carcinoma (n = 8), gallbladder carcinoma (n = 11), and pancreatic carcinoma (n = 10). Initially, 46 expandable metallic stents were placed in 29 patients. In 23 of the 29 patients, adjuvant therapy was administered. Seventeen patients underwent radiotherapy, and 16 patients received various systemic chemotherapies. In principle, hyperthermia was performed twice a week, simultaneously with radiotherapy. Patient survival and the probability of stent patency were calculated using actuarial life table analysis. There was no significant difference in stent patency among the patients according to type of disease. Hyperthermia did not influence the stent patency rate. The median stent patency time was significantly greater in the chemo-radiation group than in the no-adjuvant therapy group: 182 days versus 68 days, respectively (P = 0.017). Moreover, a significant increase was seen in the median survival time in the chemo-radiation group: 261 days versus 109 days (P = 0.0337). Complications occurred in 9 patients (31.0%). Stent occlusion occurred in 6 patients (20.7%), with all of these patients managed successfully using a transhepatically placed new expandable metallic stent, employing the stent-in-stent method. Stent migration occurred in 2 patients after radiotherapy. Adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, in combination with stent insertion, resulted in an increase in the patency period of expandable metallic stents and in increased patient survival time. Received: August 18, 2000 / Accepted: December 1, 2000     

Is a metallic stent useful for non resectable esophageal cancer?

A flexible nitinol stent was inserted to treat malignant stricture of the esophagus in 28 patients. Stenting was successful in all 28 patients, leading to an improved oral intake that was maintained for >80% of the survival period in 26 patients. Patients with tumors arising in the esophagus (n=24) were divided into two groups to compare complications and prognosis: patients who underwent stenting only (n=10); and patients who underwent stenting after radiochemotherapy (n=14). Fatal complications associated with stenting were seen in four patients (28.6%) who underwent stenting after radiochemotherapy and in one patient (10.0%) who underwent stenting only. Although survival was significantly longer for patients who underwent prior radiochemotherapy than for patients who did not, the incidence of fatal complications tended to be higher. No significant differences in background factors other than radiochemotherapy before stenting were observed between patients with fatal and non-fatal complications. Stenting was shown to represent a useful treatment for malignant stricture of the esophagus, as oral intake improved and was maintained for a long period of time in most patients. However, incidence of fatal complications was high among patients who underwent radiochemotherapy, and caution must be exercised due to the difficulty in predicting fatal complications.     

自膨式金属支架植入术治疗急性左半结直肠癌性梗阻

目的探讨内镜联合透视下自膨式金属支架植入术治疗急性左半结直肠癌性梗阻的应用价值。方法回顾性分析接受内镜联合透视下自膨式金属支架植入术治疗的49例左半结直肠癌性梗阻患者的临床资料。结果于48例患者成功植入支架,技术成功率为97.96%(48/49);1例因导丝无法通过狭窄段而转为外科急诊手术。植入支架后,47例梗阻症状明显改善;1例未改善而转为外科急诊手术。术后1例发生肠穿孔,5例便中带少量鲜血,经对症治疗后均好转;2例发生支架脱落。21例患于植入支架解除肠梗阻后接受结肠癌根治术,Ⅰ期手术成功率100%(21/21)。结论内镜联合透视下自膨式金属支架植入术解除左半结直肠癌性梗阻安全、有效。     

晚期食管癌带膜记忆合金支架植入术的并发症防治

目的　探讨晚期食管癌带膜记忆合金支架植入的并发症及其防治措施。方法　应用带膜记忆合金支架治疗晚期食管癌117例,其中76例术前检查发现失去手术机会,6 例食管癌放疗、化疗或术后吻合口复发,2例食管癌合并食管气管瘘,采用介入法放置支架;33例尚有手术探查指征,术中见肿瘤无法手术切除而于术中放置支架。观察近、远期并发症,并给予相应处理。结果　117 例患者植入支架131支,其中14例放置 2 枚支架。全组无手术死亡病例。近期并发症发生率为 40.2%(47/117),其中33例胸部膨胀感、钝痛,2 例室性心律失常,5 例支架移位,7 例出血。远期并发症发生率为18.6%(11/59),其中 2 例支架内食物堵塞,4 例出血,5 例肿瘤生长超过支架上端而再狭窄。除1例术后12天大呕血死亡外,其余均采取相应措施处理成功。结论　降低晚期食管癌带膜记忆合金支架植入并发症必须采取术前、术中和术后的综合防治措施。     

Results of surgical resection of squamous cells carcinoma of the oesophagus with or without preoperative radiochemotherapy: comparative and retrospective study

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to assess preoperative radio-chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective comparison between radio-chemotherapy followed by surgical resection (RCPO) and surgery alone. The RCPO group included patients with tumor located in the middle or lower third of the esophagus, staged T2 or T3 tumors without distant metastases by pretherapeutic assessment. These patients were matched with patients who underwent immediate surgery, who constituted the surgical group (CHIR). Both groups were matched for gender, age, tumor localization (middle or lower third), T stage, and surgical procedure. Each group included 77 men and 9 women, 50 tumors of the middle third and 36 of the lower third of the oesophagus, and 19 tumors T2 and 67 T3 ones. RESULTS: Morbidity of both groups was not significantly different. The mortality was 4% in the group CHIR and 12% in the group RCPO (P =0.07). The rate of radical resection (R0) was significantly higher in the RCPO group (74% vs. 51%; P =0.001). The overall 5-year survival rate was 38% after R0 surgery and 11% after R1 or R2 surgery (P <0.0001). After R0 surgery, the 5-year survival rate was 47% in the CHIR group and 32% in the RCPO group (P =0.06). CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiochemotherapy increases the rate of radical surgical resection without significant increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality.     

Usefulness of self-expandable metallic stent with an antireflux mechanism as a palliation for malignant strictures at the gastroesophageal junction

BACKGROUND: Patients with unresectable malignant gastroesophageal strictures often are troubled with reflux esophagitis after stent placement. METHODS: A self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) without an antireflux mechanism was placed in seven patients with unresectable malignant gastroesophageal strictures (group A), and SEMS with an antireflux mechanism was placed in five patients (group B). After we obtained monitoring systems, two patients in group A and all the patients in group B underwent measurement of bilirubin and pH in the esophagus using a 24-h bilirubin and pH monitor. RESULTS: The mean percentage of total time less than 0.14 for use of the bilirubin absorbance unit was 12.4% in group B and 64.0% in group A. The mean percentage of total time for a pH less than 4 was 2.9% in group B and 37.8% in group A. CONCLUSION: The placement of SEMS with the antireflux mechanism can be effective not only for palliation of gastroesophageal stricture, but also for prevention of reflux.     

Surgical treatment for carcinoma of the esophagus in the elderly patient.

Sixty-three elderly patients with carcinoma of the esophagus were operated upon in the department of chest cancer in Tianjin Cancer Hospital from January 1978 to January 1992. Eleven patients had a tumor located in the upper part of the thoracic esophagus; 30 patients in the middle part and 22 patients in the lower part. Squamous cell carcinoma was 55 cases, adenocarcinoma was 7 cases and small cell carcinoma was 1 case. The classification by stages according to criteria established by UICC, based on operative evaluation, showed 3 patients in stage I; 24 patients in stage II and 25 patients in stage III. Forty-seven patients were operated as "curative" resection, 5 patients as "palliative" resection and 11 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy or thoracotomy alone. The total resection rate was 82.5%. For tumors in the upper thoracic part of the esophagus, a total esophagectomy was performed using the triple approach. In the remaining patients, a subtotal esophagectomy was performed using the Sweet technique. There were no operative deaths in all patients. One or more postoperative complications were seen in 16 patients (25.4%). The most frequently recorded complications were pulmonary ones. The survival rate at two, three and five years were respectively 65, 35 and 20% in patients who underwent "curative" resection. The survival rates for patients in whom resection was considered "palliative" was zero after 3 years and for patients who received exploration alone was zero after one year. The survival rates at 3 years for patients who underwent "curative" resection were respectively 100, 35 and 25% in stage I, stage II and staged III. We hold the view that the esophagectomy is still a predominant measure for esophageal carcinoma in the elderly and limited surgery (palliative resection) was recommended in consideration of the postoperative quality of life. If the elderly can tolerate the operative procedure, long-term survival with excellent functional status is attainable in this age group.     

Tumor response to induction chemoradiation: influence on survival after esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative chemoradiation is becoming standard of care for locally advanced esophageal cancer. The objective of this study was to determine if the degree of pathologic response to preoperative chemoradiation could predict survival and recurrence after resection in patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2001, 366 patients underwent esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus; 108 (30%) had induction chemoradiation prior to surgery. The records of these 108 patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Histologic examination of the resected specimens documented complete pathologic response (CR) in 24 patients (22%) and residual tumor (RT) in 84 (78%). Operative mortality was 3.7%. Follow-up was complete in all patients and ranged from 1 to 46 months (median, 11 months). Three-year survival for patients with CR was 64% as compared to 34% for patients with RT (P=0.17). Median survival for patients with CR has not yet been reached; however, median survival for patients with RT was 19 months. Three-year cancer free survival for patients with CR was 57% compared to 30% for patients with RT (P=0.03). While median survival free of recurrence for patients with CR has not yet been reached, median survival free of recurrence for patients with RT was 9 months. CONCLUSION: Complete pathologic response to induction chemoradiation is associated with improved early overall and disease-free survival following esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. Because recurrent cancer still develops in many of these patients, even after complete pathologic response, the search for the optimal treatment continues.     

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus

The primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare tumor. The study aim was to report two cases, one treated by esophagectomy without thoracotomy and the other one by Lewis-Santy type esophagectomy. Both patients had recurrence. One died at the 24th month with liver metastases. The other one who had a cervical invaded lymph node, treated by radio-chemotherapy, is actually in complete remission 9 years after the diagnosis.     

Usefulness of MRI volumetric evaluation in patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of tumor volumetry on MRI as predictive of response to treatment with induction chemotherapy, comparing the results with endoscopy. METHODS: Fifty patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SSCHN) who underwent MRI volumetry before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) were included in this study. The tumor volume was calculated by a slice-by-slice evaluation. With the standard software of a workstation, the area of the tumor was measured slice by slice using manual segmentation. To evaluate the efficacy of MRI volumetry, pretreatment volume was compared with pretreatment remission status as evaluated with endoscopy. RESULTS: Forty-five (90%) patients demonstrated a tumor downstaging after chemotherapy. Fourteen (28%) patients showed a complete histologic remission (CR), 31 (62%) patients showed a partial remission (PR). Pretreatment tumor volume was significantly different between patients whose tumor completely responded (CR) and those whose tumor did not completely respond or whose disease was stable or was progressive (p = .00023). We defined a threshold for the pretreatment tumor volume in patients with CR, which was equal to 29.71 cc. CONCLUSION: We propose that MRI tumor volume analyses can be a useful parameter to predict the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in SCCHN.     

New Indication for Reduction Surgery in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Major Vascular Involvement

Background The prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor, particularly in patients with tumor thrombi (TT) in the major vessels. Patients and Methods From July 1992 to October 2004, 161 patients diagnosed as having advanced HCC with major vascular involvement were seen consecutively at our hospital. Among these patients, 32 (20%) underwent surgical resection [16 complete resection (CR), 16 reductive resection (RR)]. Eighteen patients (11%) received radiotherapy (RT), 73 (45%) underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy (TAI), 8 (5%) with distant metastases received systemic chemotherapy, and 30 (19%) received palliative therapy. Results Excluding the CR group, the patients in the RR group had a higher 1-year survival rate than the other treatment groups. However, there was no significant difference in the overall survival rates of the RR, RT, and TACE/TAI groups. When we evaluated prognostic factors to clarify the indications for RR in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with advanced HCC with TT, prothrombin activity (PA) was identified as a significant independent preoperative factor for overall survival in the RR group. The survival rate in patients with PA of ≤78% was significantly lower than that of patients with PA of >78% (P = 0.0004). The median survival time of patients with serum PA of >78% who underwent RR was 13.9 months and that of patients who underwent CR was 9.1 months, with no survival difference between the groups. Conclusion In advanced HCC with major vascular involvement, patients who had RR with PA of greater 78% achieved a similar survival to those who had CR. The surgeon should still proceed with RR in those patients with serum PA of >78% if CR does not seem feasible on preoperative evaluation.     

Are expandable metallic stents better than conventional methods for treating difficult intrahepatic biliary strictures with recurrent hepatolithiasis?

BACKGROUND: Conventional methods for treating patients with recurrent hepatolithiasis associated with complicated intrahepatic biliary strictures include balloon dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary strictures, lithotripsy, and the clearance of difficult stones as completely as possible, with the placement of an external-internal stent for at least 6 months. After these modalities are used, symptomatic refractory strictures remain. Recently we used internal Gianturco-Rosch metallic Z stents to treat patients who had refractory strictures. OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic results and complications of an internal expandable metallic Z stent with those of repeated external-internal stent placement. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: A referral center. PATIENTS: From January 1992 to December 1996, 18 patients with recurrent hepatolithiasis and complicated intrahepatic biliary strictures underwent percutaneous dilatation of stricture and transhepatic percutaneous cholangioscopic lithotomy for recurrent stones. After their stones were completely cleared, their biliary strictures failed to dilate satisfactorily. The patients were randomly enrolled into 2 groups: group A (7 patients), who received an expandable metallic Z stent, and group B (11 patients), who had repeated placement of external-internal stents. INTERVENTIONS: Percutaneous stricture dilatation, electrohydraulic lithotripsy, balloon dilatation, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy, and biliary stenting by a Silastic external-internal catheter or a modified Gianturco-Rosch expandable metallic Z stent (for an internal stent). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of procedures, days in hospital, procedure-related complications, incidents of stone recurrence and recurrence of cholangitis, readmissions to the hospital, treatment sessions required, and mortality rate. Patients' limitations in ordinary activities were also compared. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 28 to 60 (40.7+/-12.7 [mean +/- SD]) months in group A and from 28 to 49 (36.0+/-7.2) months in group B. Fewer group A patients (3 [43%]) than group B patients (8 [73%]) tended to have recurrent cholangitis and to require readmission to the hospital, but this was not statistically significant (P = .33). When their cumulative probability of a first episode of cholangitis during follow-up was compared, however, it was significantly lower in patients treated with a metallic stent (P = .04). Compared with group B patients, group A patients had less frequent recurrence of stones (0% vs 64%; P = .01), fewer procedures for the clearance of biliary stones or sludge (1.7+/-2.2 vs 6.4+/-4.3; P = .03), and shorter hospital stays (8.0+/-11.5 days vs 17.0+/-12.0 days; P = .07). No patients in group A experienced limitation in ordinary activities, whereas 7 patients in group B did (P<.02). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the repeated placement of external-internal stents, the use of a metallic internal stent effectively decreases stone recurrence, simplifies further procedures, and is more convenient. Its use is suggested as an alternative choice in the treatment of recurrent hepatolithiasis with refractory intrahepatic biliary strictures.     

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.     

Videofiberoptic examination of the pharyngoesophageal segment and esophagus in patients after total laryngectomy

BACKGROUND: Posttreatment follow-up in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is critical because of the high risk of recurrence or a new primary tumor. However, in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy, evaluation of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) and esophagus is difficult. METHODS: Sixty patients who had undergone total laryngectomy received a videofiberoptic examination of the PES and esophagus at the OPD office during follow-up. RESULTS: Satisfactory examination was achieved in 56 (93%) of the patients. Each procedure was completed within 15 minutes. Although only 11 (18%) of the patients were symptomatic at follow-up, 19 patients (34%) had significant findings, including one local recurrence and two secondary esophageal cancers. Patients were asymptomatic in all three cases. CONCLUSIONS: Videofiberoptic examination is a simple, effective, and relatively noninvasive method that can be performed in the OPD office to evaluate the PES and esophagus in patients after total laryngectomy.     

经皮胆道射频消融术在治疗恶性胆道梗阻中的应用

目的分析经皮肝穿刺射频消融联合支架植入治疗恶性胆道梗阻的有效性、安全性。方法 33例恶性胆道梗阻患者接受胆道射频消融联合胆道金属支架植入治疗,评价术后1、2、3个月支架通畅率和患者的生存率。结果对33例患者均完成胆道射频消融联合胆道金属支架植入治疗。术后患者肝功能均得到不同程度的恢复。随访期内,中位支架通畅时间103天(9~578天)。术后1、2、3个月支架通畅率分别为78.79%(26/33)、66.67%(22/33)、54.55%(18/33)。随访期内,28例患者死亡,中位生存时间193天(19~578天)。患者术后1、2、3个月生存率分别为96.97%(32/33)、81.82%(27/33)、75.76%(25/33)。9例患者术后出现胆道感染,其中1例严重肝病患者死于胆道感染引起的感染性休克,8例患者恢复;13例患者出现无症状淀粉酶升高。所有患者均未出现胆道出血、穿孔等严重并发症。结论经皮肝穿刺射频消融联合金属支架植入治疗恶性胆道梗阻具有较高的安全性和有效性。     

Focused microwave phased array thermotherapy for primary breast cancer

Background A pilot safety study of focused microwave phased array thermotherapy in the treatment of primary breast carcinomas was conducted. Methods Ten patients with breast carcinomas beneath the skin surface that ranged in maximal clinical size from 1 to 8 cm (mean, 4.3 cm) were treated with the breast compressed in the prone position. We planned to deliver a tumor thermal dose equivalent to 60 minutes at 43°C. Breast imaging and pathology data were used to assess efficacy. Results For the 10 patients, the mean tumor equivalent thermal dose was 51.7 minutes, the mean peak tumor temperature was 44.9°C, and the mean treatment time was 34.7 minutes. Ultrasound imaging demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor size (mean, 41%) 5 to 18 days after thermotherapy in 6 (60%) of 10 patients. A significant tumor response on the basis of reduction in tumor size or significant tumor cell kill occurred in 8 (80%) of 10 patients. Conclusions With sufficient skin cooling, delivery of focused microwave phased array thermotherapy is safe in treating breast carcinomas when used alone, and some potential efficacy was demonstrated at the tumor thermal doses administered. Increased tumor thermal dose efficacy studies in larger patient populations for improved breast conservation should be investigated. Presented at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Washington, DC, March 15–18, 2001.     

High-dose adenosine-induced asystole assisting accurate deployment of thoracic stent grafts in conscious patients

Adenosine has been used to induce asystole and assist deployment of endoluminal grafts. However, application of high-dose adenosine in conscious patients has not been described. In this prospective study, we administered high-dose adenosine in patients undergoing thoracic stent grafting. Asystole duration in relationship to the dosage of adenosine, safety, and side effect profiles was investigated. All patients who underwent thoracic stent grafting between 1998 and 2006 were the potential study subjects. They received monitored anesthesia care and local anesthesia unless contraindicated. Adenosine was given via rapid intravenous bolus immediately prior to the deployment of the stent graft. Every patient received a dose of 36 mg. If needed, a second dose of 18 mg was given. Duration of asystole was recorded after each administration. Patients' vital signs before and after administration were also documented. Side effect profiles were collected intra- and postoperatively. A total of 46 patients received adenosine (34 men, 12 women). Mean age was 60.4 +/- 17.5 years. American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were II in one patient (2%), III in six patients (13%), and IV in 39 patients (85%). Eighteen patients received a single dose of 36 mg adenosine, 15 were given a second dose of 18 mg, and 13 received nonstandard dosages. Asystole durations were 18.8 +/- 8.8 and 11.6 +/- 5.5 sec for 36 and 18 mg, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all cases. The differences achieved statistical significance (p = 0.0009). There were no severe cardiac or pulmonary complications. High-dose adenosine can be given safely in conscious patients. The dose-response was predictable and reproducible. The dosages used in our study induce sufficient duration of asystole, which ensured accurate deployment of thoracic stent grafts.     

Endoscopic management of inveterate esophageal perforations and leaks

The endoscopic management of four selected patients with inveterate esophageal perforations or leaks is presented. One patient had a perforation of the cervical esophagus following endoscopic removal of a foreign body already treated with surgical drainage; two patients had a leak following diverticulectomy and esophagogastrostomy, respectively, persistent after multiple surgical repairs; the last patient had a spontaneous perforation of the thoracic esophagus persistent after two transthoracic repairs. The mean time elapsed between the diagnosis of perforation and the endoscopic treatment was 19 days. In one patient, transesophageal drainage of a mediastinal abscess was performed. In the other three patients, a stent was placed to seal the leak in combination with gastric and esophageal aspiration. Two of these patients underwent endoscopy in critical condition and could have not been candidates for major surgical procedures. All patients received enteral nutrition. No morbidity or mortality related to the endoscopic procedure was recorded; the treatment was effective in all patients who recovered and resumed oral feeding within 3 weeks. We conclude that endoscopic transesophageal drainage and stenting are effective procedures in the management of patients with inveterate esophageal perforations or leaks.     

Application of memory metallic stents to urinary tract disorders in pediatric patients

The use of memory metallic stents for the urinary tract in pediatric patients has not been reported. The authors report on 2 patients with urinary tract disorders who were successfully treated with a memory metallic stent. A thermoexpandable, nickel-titanium alloy stent was placed at the urethroureteral junction of a 4-year-old boy with ureteral stenosis associated with cloacal exstrophy for 18 months and at the urethra of a 2-year-old girl with ischuria after a repair of cloacal anomaly for 6 months. Temporary insertion of a memory metallic stent is a safe and effective alternative for organic stricture or functional obstruction of the urinary tract in pediatric patients.