Self-Expanding Oesophageal Stents: Strategies for Re-Intervention

Abstract

While repeated stenting is usually successful, debridement and laser vaporization are viable alternatives for proximal tumour overgrowth or ingrowth in the upper or middle third of the oesophagus. Distal tumour growth or ingrowth at the oesophagogastric junction are best treated with a second stent. Repeated treatment is justified, as survival following first re-intervention is comparable to that after initial stenting, particularly in those patients who are able to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy.