SELF-EXPANDABLE ESOPHAGEAL STENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN PEPTIC ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES IN THE ELDERLY

Self-expandable oesophageal stents are being increasingly used in the management of malignant oesophageal strictures, Most benign peptic oes ophageal strictures can be successfully managed using endoscopic oesop hageal dilatation combined with long-term Proton pump inhibition thera py. Although endoscopic oesophageal dilatation can be performed on an outpatient basis, it often requires repeated hospital visits, There is a small risk of oesophageal perforation, while cardiorespiratory comp lications may be encountered during the use of intravenous sedation in an elderly population, The use of self-expandable Strecker stents in three elderly patients with benign peptic oesophageal strictures is de scribed.