Esophageal self-expandable metallic stents - Indications, practice, techniques, and complications: Results of a national survey

Background: The gastroenterology community's experience with esophageal self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is unknown. Methods: In order to assess indications, perioperative management, and self-reported complications associated with SEMS placement, a survey was mailed to ASGE members. Results: Of 3414 surveys mailed, 212 (6.2%) were completed and returned. One hundred twenty-eight physicians had experience with a total of 434 SEMS. Most physicians practiced in the private sector (72%), and 75% had placed 3 or fewer SEMS. Perceived ease of placement was the most common reason for choosing a SEMS (55%). Fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance was used by 83% of respondents, and 81% allowed liquid diet after correct position and patency had been confirmed; 56% of respondents discharged their patients within 24 hours of SEMS placement. The rates of failure for full expansion (7.1%), stent misplacement (4.8%), and failure to deploy (3%) were higher than previously reported. Acute patient complications and delayed bleeding occurred less frequently than in reported series but mortality rates were similar. Conclusions: Ease of placement is the main reason for choosing a SEMS. Differences in complication rates, compared to previous studies on SEMS, may be related to operator experience and protocol requirements. When compared to plastic stents, complications were less frequent.