Published online Oct 15, 2003. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i10.2359
Revised: May 25, 2003
Accepted: June 2, 2003
Published online: October 15, 2003
AIM: To study the therapeutic efficacy of temporary partially-covered metal stent insertion on benign esophageal stricture.
METHODS: Temporary partially-covered metal stent was inserted in 83 patients with benign esophageal stricture. All the patients had various dysphagia scores.
RESULTS: Insertion of 85 temporary partially-covered metal stents was performed successfully in 83 patients with benign esophageal stricture and dysphagia was effectively remitted in all the 83 cases. The dysphagia score was 3.20 ± 0.63 (mean ± SD) and 0.68 ± 0.31 before and after stent insertion, and 0.86 ± 0.48 after stent removal. The mean diameter of the strictured esophageal lumen was 3.37 ± 1.23 mm and 25.77 ± 3.89 mm before and after stent insertion, and 16.15 ± 2.96 mm after stent removal. Follow-up time was from 1 week to 96 months (mean 54.26 ± 12.75 months). The complications were chest pain (n = 37) after stent insertion, and bleeding (n = 12) and reflux (n = 13) after stent removal.
CONCLUSION: Temporary partially-covered metal stent insertion is one of the best methods for treatment of benign esophageal stricture.