Investigating Esophageal Stent-Placement Outcomes in Patients with Inoperable Non-Cervical Esophageal Cancer

Background: Esophageal stent insertion in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer is usually accompanied with relatively high adverse symptoms and even mortality. The current study aims at investigating the outcomes of esophageal stenting in patients with inoperable non-cervical esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: The current descriptive-analytical research evaluates 25 patients with esophageal cancer. The stent was placed in esophagus based upon endoscopy analysis with or without fluoroscopy and then the stent position and its opening was investigated by making use of CXRand Gastrografin studies. Demographic characteristics, dysphagia scores, stent placement side effects and the dysphagia-related indices were recorded and examined by taking advantage of a questionnaire which was administered pre and post stent insertion. Results: The study population was comprised of 15 women and 10 men. The individuals' average age was 69.20 ± 11.25 years. Dysphagia mean score was lowered from a value of 4.32 ± 0.80 to 2.00 ± 1.22 (P-value<0.05). The prevalent side effects were chest pain (64%), dysphagia recurrence (40%), stent blockage (20%), stent migration (16%), GI bleeding (8%), and malposition (8%). Also, it was found out that 64% of the patients survived for 6 months. Conclusion: The results indicated that although esophageal stenting is accompanied with side effects in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer, but it is the most frequently used and the most reliable method in relieving dysphagia and improving dysphagia-related life indices.