Esophageal stent
Encyclopedia
An esophageal stent is a stent
(tube) placed in the esophagus
to keep a blocked area open so the patient can swallow
soft food and liquids. Esophageal stents may be self-expandable metallic stent
s, or made of plastic
, or silicone
, and may be used in the treatment of esophageal cancer
.
A 2007 study showed no difference in the quality of palliation between plastic and metal stents, but a novel polyester mesh stent caused more complications, especially migration.
, covered self-expanding metal stents were the only FDA-approved to be placed permanently. Occasionally, these stents may be placed as part of a clinical trial or as off-label use to repair esophageal leaks or fistulae. They are placed using the guidance of fluroscopy (x-ray) and endoscopy. Usually, they are left in for less than four weeks.
Stent
In the technical vocabulary of medicine, a stent is an artificial 'tube' inserted into a natural passage/conduit in the body to prevent, or counteract, a disease-induced, localized flow constriction. The term may also refer to a tube used to temporarily hold such a natural conduit open to allow...
(tube) placed in the esophagus
Esophagus
The esophagus is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus and travels via peristalsis to the stomach...
to keep a blocked area open so the patient can swallow
Swallowing
Swallowing, known scientifically as deglutition, is the process in the human or animal body that makes something pass from the mouth, to the pharynx, and into the esophagus, while shutting the epiglottis. If this fails and the object goes through the trachea, then choking or pulmonary aspiration...
soft food and liquids. Esophageal stents may be self-expandable metallic stent
Self-expandable metallic stent
A self-expandable metallic stent is a metallic tube, or stent, used in order to hold open a structure in the gastrointestinal tract in order to allow the passage of food, chyme, stool, or other secretions required for digestion...
s, or made of plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
, or silicone
Silicone
Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds with a variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications , cookware, and insulation....
, and may be used in the treatment of esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma . Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus...
.
A 2007 study showed no difference in the quality of palliation between plastic and metal stents, but a novel polyester mesh stent caused more complications, especially migration.
, covered self-expanding metal stents were the only FDA-approved to be placed permanently. Occasionally, these stents may be placed as part of a clinical trial or as off-label use to repair esophageal leaks or fistulae. They are placed using the guidance of fluroscopy (x-ray) and endoscopy. Usually, they are left in for less than four weeks.
External links
- Esophageal stent entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms