1995 Volume 37 Issue 4 Pages 827-832_1
Esophago-respiratory fistulas were closed using Gore-Tex expandable metallic stemsin one patient with lung cancer and 6 with esophageal cancer. In 6 patients oral feeding became possible and remained impossible in only one patient with paralysis of the recurrent nerve. Four patients (57.1%) were freed from dependence on total parenteral nutrition, and two patients (28.6%) could be discharged from hospital and could spend theirlast days comfortably at horne. Complications developed in only 2 cases(28-6%): migra-tion in both cases which was not associated with any clinical symptoms. No cornplications such as perforation or oppressive necrosis of the esophageal wall were noted when placing the covered EMS. The technique of placing the covered EMS is easy and safe, and is associated with little pain to the patient. For these reasons and because it helps enhancethe general quality of life this method is considered to be very useful in closing esophago-respiratory fistulas.
