Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To explore the materials and selection of esophageal stents, and to discuss the application of covered stents in treating esophageal malignant stenosis.
METHODS: CNKI and Medline databases were retrieved by computer for papers published from 1980 to 2009 with search terms of “esophageal carcinoma, esophageal stenosis, esophageal stent, and fabric-covered metallic stent”. The language was limited for Chinese and English. A total of 61 iteratures were initial searched by computer, according to inclusive and exclusive criteria, 29 literatures were selected by the first author. Problems including esophageal stent category, material selection, as well as application of covered stents in treating esophageal malignant stenosis were reviewed and summarized.
RESULTS: Totally 29 literatures were included in this paper. No concealed allocation or blinding method was described in the literatures. According to preparing materials, the stents could be divided into stainless metal stent, memory metallic stent and polyester plastic stent. As tissue-engineered materials, stents could be assigned into biodegradable polymer matrix stent and non-degradable biodegradable polymers stent. Each material stent possesses distinct advantage and disadvantage. The covered stents could relief esophageal stenosis effectively, interrupt tumor growth, and prevent restenosis. 
CONCLUSION: As a palliative therapy for treating esophageal malignant stenosis, covered stents can elevate patients’ life quality and prolong survival times.