[Membrane-covered self-expanding stents in the treatment of high-positioned esophageal stenosis or fistula].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of membrane-covered self-expanding metal stent in the treatment of high-positioned esophageal diseases, including esophageal stenosis, esophagotracheal fistula and anastomotic stricture.
Methods: Clinical data of 84 patients who underwent stenting in our center from May 2005 to July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 84 patients, 31 were diagnosed as esophageal malignant stenosis, 2 compression stenosis, 10 radiation stenosis, 4 recurrent malignant stenosis, 27 anastomotic stricture, 1 esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), 7 esophageal-tracheal fistula, 1 esophageal-mediastinal fistula, and 1 remnant stomach fistula. Distance from stenosis or fistula to central incisor was 15-20 cm in 48 cases, and more than 20 cm in 36 cases. All the patients were treated by 16 mm membrane-covered self-expanding metal stents. Main clinical manifestations and complications were evaluated.
Results: A total of 100 stents were placed in 84 patients,with a success rate of 100%. There were no complications such as perforation and bleeding during operation. Dysphagia and cough were improved quickly with a success rate of 100%. After the placement of stents, the incidence of complication was 6.0% (5/84), of which 2 cases were severe retrosternal pain, 1 was tracheal collapse, and 2 were stent displacement. Seventy-six patients (90.5%) received complete follow-up of 1 to 36 months (mean 15 months). Re-stenosis occurred in 4 cases, new esophageal-tracheal fistula in 2 cases. Among these 6 cases, 5 cases underwent successfully stent placement once again, and another one case received Savary bougie and Argon-ion coagulation with good efficacy.
Conclusion: Endoscopic membrane-covered self-expanding metal stent placement is effective and safe for the relieve of dysphagia symptoms and the sealing of esophagotracheal fistula.