Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the types of esophageal stent implantation and explore the clinical application and complications following esophageal stent implantation.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of VIP database (http://www.cqvip.com/) was performed for articles about clinical application of esophageal stent implantation, published between January 1998 and October 2009, with the key words “esophageal stent, indication, complication”. The data were collected. and the references were reviewed. Inclusion criteria: Type of esophageal stent; clinical application and complications following esophageal stent implantation. Exclusion criteria: repetitive studies. A total of 22 articles were finally included.
RESULTS: Esophageal stent implantation as a novel technique has become an important approach for innocent or malignant esophageal stenosis, as well as orificium fistulae. The metal stent with no cover, partially covered stent and fully-covered stent have effectively cure esophageal diseases. However, patients suffer from the complications, such as chest pain, bleeding and perforation, gastroesophageal reflux, stent dislocation or shedding, and restenosis. Reduction of complications can improve quality of life of the patients.
CONCLUSION: There are various types of esophageal stents. Therefore, appropriate selection of type, size, and characteristics of stent according to different disease condition, and accurate operation may minimize incidence of complications.