What is a stent in the esophagus?
Listen to pronunciation. (ee-SAH-fuh-JEE-ul stent) A tube placed in the esophagus to keep a blocked area open so the patient can swallow soft food and liquids. Esophageal stents are made of metal mesh, plastic, or silicone, and may be used in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Is an esophageal stent permanent?
As of 2009, 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 fluoroscopy (x-ray) and endoscopy.
How long can you live with a stent in your esophagus?
The mean life expectancy was 147 days (range 8–1028 days) following the first stent deployment and 273 days (range 1–928 days) from diagnostic endoscopy. The 30-day mortality was 10%.
Can an esophageal stent be removed?
Some authors have reported that removal of esophageal stents 3–10 weeks after placement resulted in complete resolu- tion of an esophagorespiratory fistula [12, 15]. The optimal time to remove a stent placed to treat a benign esophageal stricture has been suggested as 4–8 weeks after place- ment [11].
How is stent inserted in esophagus?
During the procedure, the surgeon places a long, thin tube (catheter) down the back of your mouth and into your esophagus. Next, the surgeon places a folded-up hollow tube (stent) over the catheter in the correct position across the blockage. The stent expands against the walls of your esophagus, giving support.
How is an esophageal stent removed?
After grasping the stent retrieval string with the alligator jaw grasping forceps the endoscope is withdrawn to extract the stent. At the level of the cardias, the hood is mechanically pulled down over the stent, protecting the esophagus from lacerations.
What can I expect after an esophageal stent?
You might feel some soreness as the stent expands. Taking painkillers for a few days helps. After a few days, the soreness usually goes away but you might still have some soreness at times. Tell your nurse or doctor if you still have pain.
What are the side effects of an esophageal stent?
Although esophageal stents improve dysphagia, they are usually accompanied by mortality and important side effects such as stent placement side effects, including unconsciousness, perforation, aspiration pneumonia, bleeding, malposition, early side effects emerging one week after stent placement including chest pain.
What foods to avoid if you have an esophageal stent?
Foods such as bread, toast, egg, fish with bones, pithy fruit (orange, grapefruit, pineapple), stringy vegetables (green beans, celery), salad items, raw vegetables and chips may cause your stent to block.
What can you eat with an esophageal stent?
Smooth or pureed foods, including soup (without lumps), applesauce, yogurt, ice cream, pudding or gelatin. Increase the texture of your food to a soft consistency as you feel your swallowing becomes easier and your confidence builds.
Can you eat solid food with esophageal stent?
Do not eat solid food. 48-72 hours after stent placement: Try eating soft solid foods, such as cooked noodles, oatmeal, cottage cheese, soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Take small bites and eat slowly. Your esophagus and stomach are still adjusting to the stent, and need to get used to moving food through it.
What is an oesophageal stent?
An oesophageal stent is a small metal or plastic tube put into the food pipe (oesophagus). It keeps the food pipe open. A cancer in the food pipe can partly or completely block it and make it difficult to swallow. Putting a stent into the blocked area opens up the food pipe again.
What is the oesophagus and what does it do?
The oesophagus or gullet is a hollow muscular tube which takes food from the mouth down to the stomach. If the oesophagus becomes narrowed or becomes blocked, swallowing and eating can be difficult.
Do you need an esophageal stent for dysphagia?
Dysphagia also lowers your quality of life. An esophageal stent can help ease these problems. Even if you have esophageal cancer, you may not need an esophageal stent. In some cases, your healthcare provider may be able to treat your cancer with surgery or chemotherapy instead.
Do I need an esophageal stent If I have cancer?
Even if you have esophageal cancer, you may not need an esophageal stent. In some cases, your healthcare provider may be able to treat your cancer with surgery or chemotherapy instead. If these therapies won’t work for you, an esophageal stent may be another option.