THREE CASES OF REMOVABLE SELF-EXPANDABLE METALLIC STENT PLACEMENT AGAINST REFRACTORY ANASTOMOTIC STENOSIS AFTER ESOPHAGEAL CANCER RESECTION

Abstract

Refractory esophagogastric anastomotic stenosis after esophageal cancer resection is a complication that often requires frequent dilatation treatment and severely impairs the patient's quality of life (QOL). We experienced three patients with refractory anastomotic stenosis after esophagectomy who obtained good patency by temporary placement of a removable self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS, Flexella-J Esophageal Stent). Careful attention should be paid to the choice and maintenance of SEMS in terms of the complications of SEMS placement such as stent slippage and pharyngeal bleeding. More effective and longer-term patency and improvement of patient's QOL could be obtained by placement of a removable SEMS against refractory anastomotic stenosis compared with conventional dilatation procedures.