Background: Extraction of a migrated esophageal stent may be extremely diff
icult with a substantial risk of complications including esophageal perfora
tion and hemorrhage.
Methods: Retrospectively 242 patients were evaluated who underwent implanta
tion of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) and 13 (5.4%) were identified wi
th distal stent migration. In all cases of stent dislocation into the stoma
ch, extraction of the stent was not attempted and a new stent was inserted.
Results: Twelve patients had dysphagia. One patient underwent surgery becau
se of stent impaction in the colon, 3 had unrecognized passage of the stent
per rectum, and 9 had evidence of the stent into the stomach. Further seve
re complications were not observed in any patient and all stents remained i
nto the stomach.
Conclusion: Complications arising from migrated esophageal stents are uncom
mon. Further studies are warranted to determine which patients with migrate
d SEMS warrant stent retrieval.