Treatment of refractory post-esophagectomy anastomotic esophageal strictures using temporary fully covered esophageal metal stenting compared to repeated bougie dilation: results of a randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1055/a-0777-1856
• Publication Date: 2019-01-18T23:55:41Z
• Authors: W. Kappelle; J. van Hooft; M. Spaander; F. Vleggaar; M. Bruno; F. Maluf-Filho; A. Bogte; E. van Halsema; P. Siersema
• Keywords: Clinical endpoint; Refractory (planetary science); Esophageal stricture; Esophageal stent; Esophagectomy

Background and study aims Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) provide an alternative to bougie dilation (BD) for refractory benign esophageal strictures. Controlled studies comparing temporary placement of FCSES repeated BD are not available. Patients methods with anastomotic strictures, dysphagia scores ≥ 2, two five prior were randomized 8 weeks FCSEMS or BD. The primary endpoint was the number during 12 months after baseline treatment. Results Eighteen patients included (male 67 %, median age 66.5; 9 received stents, BD). Technical success rate stent removal 100 %. Recurrent occurred in 13 (72 %) follow-up. No significant difference found between groups mean follow-up (5.4 vs. 2.4, P = 0.159), time recurrent (median 36 days 33 days, Kaplan-Meier: 0.576) frequency reinterventions per month 0.3 0.2, 0.283). Improvement quality life score greater group compared at 26 % 4 0.011). Conclusions current data did evidence a statistically initial Metal stenting offers improvement from