BICAP tumor probe in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis

Background: BICAP tumor probe is a device that consists in an energy source and olives that deliver bipolar electricity. It can be used for the fulgur ation of esophageal tumors after endoscopic dilatation. Aim: To report the experience in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenoses using the BICA P tumor probe. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced esophageal tumo rs in aphagia, that were not candidates for palliative surgery were include d in this study. After endoscopic dilatation, the tumor was fulgurated with the BICAP tumor probe. Results: Twenty one patients (nine male, aged 43 to 91 years old) were treated with the device. A mean of 1.3 sessions with BI CAP were necessary to obtain tumor permeabilization, which was obtained in all patients. One patient died of pneumonia 15 days after the procedure. Al l other patients were ingesting liquid or semisolid diets after two months of follow up. Mean survival after the procedure was 3.8 months. Conclusions : Electrical fulguration of esophageal tumors is a valid therapeutic altern ative in aphagic patients.