THE NITINOL STENT AS A PALLIATIVE MEASURE FOR INOPERABLE CARCINOMAS OF THE ESOPHAGUS AND THE CARDIA - SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE METHOD

Nitinol stents were used in ten patients as palliative treatment for c arcinoma of the esophagus and the cardia. Following insertion of the s tent the severity of dysphagia decreased on average from 3.2 to 1.5 (o n a scale from 0-4). Difficulties with stent opening and passage throu gh the gut were found particularly in the region of metal sutures at e sophago-jejunal anastomoses. One stent, which had been obstructed by m ucosal folds, had to be removed and replaced. One stent which had been incorrectly placed was extended by introducing a second stent by a co axial technique. During the period of observation, six patients died a fter an average of 4.6 months. The palliative effect of the stent last ed on average for eleven weeks. In two patients the tumour grew beyond the stent and in three there was tumour growth into the stent.