BICAP tumor probe in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis

Background: BICAP tumor probe is a device that consists in an energy source and olives that deliver bipolar electricity. It can be used for the fulguration of esophageal tumors after endoscopic dilatation. Aim: To report the experience in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenoses using the BICAP tumor probe. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced esophageal tumors in aphagia, that were not candidates for palliative surgery were included in this study. After endoscopic dilatation, the tumor was fulgurated with the BICAP tumor probe. Results: Twenty one patients (nine male, aged 43 to 91 years old) were treated with the device. A mean of 1.3 sessions with BICAP were necessary to obtain tumor permeabilization, which was obtained in all patients. One patient died of pneumonia 15 days after the procedure. All other patients were ingesting liquid or semisolid diets after two months of follow up. Mean survival after the procedure was 3.8 months. Conclusions: Electrical fulguration of esophageal tumors is a valid therapeutic alternative in aphagic patients.