Clinical Outcomes of Fully Covered Self-expanding Metallic Stent Placement for Palliation of Incurable Esophageal Cancer with or Without Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM:A combination therapy of esophageal stent and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is currently considered risky for severe complications. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS) placement in palliating incurable esophageal cancer before and/or after CRT.PATIENTS AND METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed clinical outcomes of 64 incurable advanced esophageal cancer patients with FCSEMS placement. Forty-two of 64 patients had FCSEMS placement with RT.RESULTS:The rate of all of stent-related complications tended to be higher in patients who had RT, although no significant difference was observed. The stent-related deaths occurred in one patient due to hemorrhage after FCSEMS placement in the RT-negative group.CONCLUSION:Palliation of dysphagia or fistulas with FCSEMS in patients with incurable esophageal cancer before and/or after RT is not associated with an increased risk of life-threatening complications.