Palliative Endoscopic Therapy of Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND: This is a review of endoscopic therapy in the setting of palliative management of patients suffering from esophageal cancer (EC). Unfortunately, many cases of EC present in a stage of disease in which curative therapy is not possible. The maintenance of quality of life includes the ability to swallow and of oral feeding, pain control, and the prevention of bleeding. METHODS: A review of the current literature was performed. RESULTS: Many endoscopic methods are available for the management of dysphagia, of which dilation, endoluminal tumor destruction, stenting, and brachytherapy are the most common. CONCLUSION: Surgical palliation should be avoided as much as possible since the alternatives show at least the same efficacy and have fewer complications.