Our experience with Wallstent self-expanding metal prostheses in 65 patients with malignant dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: to document the usefulness of self-expanding metal stents in patients with malignant dysphagia. METHOD: from January 1992 to January 1997 we implanted 75 Wallstent prostheses (28 uncovered AV, 20 uncovered Unistsp, 15 covered Telestep, and 2 covered double-mesh Permalume stents) in 65 patients with malignant dysphagia. RESULTS: mean survival time was 100 days in patients with uncovered stents, and 215 days in patients with covered stents. Oral feeding was possible throughout the postimplantation course in 58 of 65 patients. Only two severe complications occurred: esophageal perforation with mediastinitis, and migration of the stent from the distal esophagus into the stomach. All implantation procedures were done under radiological guidance. For AV and Unistep prostheses we used a nasal approach without sedation, and for Telestep and Permalume stents we used an oral approach with sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Wallstent self-expanding metal stents are useful in palliating malignant dysphagia. The: placement and implantation of these stents are straightforward.