Benign and malignant esophageal strictures: treatment with a polyurethane-covered retrievable expandable metallic stent

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a polyurethane-covered, retrievable, self-expandable metallic stent and hook catheter in the treatment of esophageal strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stents were constructed of 0.4-mm stainless steel wire in a cylindric zig-zag configuration of six to nine bends. Four to eight stents were connected in tandem by dipping in a polyurethane solution. A nylon loop was hooked inside to each bend of the proximal portion of the stent and strung with a thread. Under fluoroscopic guidance, 22 stents were placed in 16 patients with a malignant stricture and five patients with a benign stricture. The stent was removed with a hook catheter 2 months after placement in patients with a benign stricture and when complications occurred in patients with a malignant stricture. All patients had dysphagia with ingestion of soft foods or liquids. RESULTS: Stent placement was technically successful and well tolerated in 20 patients. In one patient, the stent was misplaced but relocated successfully. After stent placement, all patients were able to ingest solid and/or soft foods without dysphagia. After stent removal, strictures showed improvement but recurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: Use of polyurethane-covered, retrievable expandable stents seems to be a feasible and effective method of treatment of benign and malignant esophageal strictures.