Esophageal stents

A recent American College of Gastroenterology study reviewed the available evidence regarding the various uses of esophageal stents and provided an assessment of the quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations for a range of indications. The researchers found that the most common indications for the use of esophageal stents were malignant obstruction, extrinsic compression, refractory strictures, and esophageal perforations and leaks. The incidence of these indications has increased significantly during the last two decades, as has as the number of patients undergoing stent placement, as stent technology has evolved and the safety and ease of stent placement have improved. In this chapter, we will briefly review the evolution of stent technology, including the current standard of care, the technique for stent placement, and the various indications for placement of an esophageal stent.