Highly Flexible Self-Expanding Meshed Metal Stents for Palliation of Malignant Esophagogastric Obstruction

Abstract

Highly elastic self-expanding metal stents can be successfully implanted in the majority of patients, particularly in those with difficult malignant strictures not easily amenable to other methods. The devices provide good palliation with effective relief of dysphagia, easy handling and implantation, and offer a satisfactory quality of life to the patient. However, tumor ingrowth is a significant problem, even though it can be successfully managed by APC. Adequate covering of the stent that does not affect its mechanical properties or firm anchoring should solve at least some of these problems.