Esophageal Stent Placement

What does a stent do?

Stents are tubes made out of polyester(plastic), nitinol(metal), or a hybrid material. These tubes are designed to prop open the obstructed area.

Stents can be placed in the esophagus or across gastroesophageal junction to treat:

• Advanced-stage cancerous tumors blocking the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction
• Certain types of stents may be used to treat non-cancerous blockages that reoccur after treatment.

There are many types and sizes of stents available. Your doctor will select the stent that is most appropriate.

How is a stent placed?

The procedure is typically performed under conscious sedation which means you will be asleep or somewhat awake.

During the procedure an endoscope will be inserted into your esophagus through the mouth. The endoscope will allow your doctor to see the obstructed area. In some cases, balloon dilation may be performed to allow for scope passage before the stent is advanced into the esophagus. The stent is placed on a thin wire (called a guidewire) that is then guided into position. Your doctor will then open the stent at the obstructed area.² The stent is designed to stay in place and maintain the opening.

For more information about how to prepare for the procedure, what happens during the procedure or what to expect during the recovery process, talk to your doctor.

Are there any risks to the procedure?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and you should talk to your doctor about what they are. Your doctor will be able to explain the risks and answer any questions you may have.

Potential complications that may be experienced with stents include stent misplacement, stent movement, bleeding, tissue perforation, pain, or infection. You may experience mild tightness or discomfort, but if you feel any pain, tell your doctor immediately.

Recovery Period

Recovery time varies depending on the disease that is being treated. Because stents are often placed using conscious sedation, the procedure may be conducted on an outpatient basis. This means you may only need to spend a few hours in the hospital.

This reference text contains information about a specific procedure and is provided by Boston Scientific Corporation for reference only. Please talk to your doctor about complete procedural information, potential risks, and questions you may have.

References

1. Ludwig D, Dehne A, Burmester E, et. al. Treatment of Unresectable Carcinoma of the Esophagus or the Gastroesophageal Junction by Mesh Stents With or Without Radiochemotherapy. International Journal of Oncology. 1998;13:583-588.
2. Vakil N, Morris A, Marcon N, et. al. A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Covered Expandable Metal Stents in the Palliation of Malignant Esophageal Obstruction at the Gastroesophageal Junction. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2001;96:1791-1796.