Published online Sep 16, 2017. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v9.i9.494
Peer-review started: February 14, 2017
First decision: May 17, 2017
Revised: July 1, 2017
Accepted: July 21, 2017
Article in press: July 24, 2017
Published online: September 16, 2017
In the report, we describe a case of refractory benign esophageal strictures from esophageal cancer after an operation for the placement of three partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs), which were all embedded in the esophageal wall. Using the stent-in-stent technique, the three embedded SEMSs were successfully removed without significant complications. To the best of our knowledge, few cases of the successful removal of multiple embedded esophageal SEMSs have been reported in the literature. This case also highlights that the stent-in-stent technique is effective for removing multiple embedded esophageal SEMSs.
Core tip: Stent embedding is a common complication that precludes the safe removal of stents. The article reports a case of benign esophageal strictures with three stents embedded and remained in place for over a year. We successfully removed the three embedded stents by using the stent-in-stent technique. The stent-in-stent technique is effective for the removal of multiple stents that are embedded in the esophageal wall.