1ST RESULTS OF IMPLANTATION OF SELF-EXPANDING NITINOLSTENTS FOR MALIGNANT DYSPHAGIA

Nine patients (mean age 64, range 51-83 years), with dysphagia due to incurable malignant obstruction of the esophagus were treated by the introduction of 10 self-expanding metal endoprostheses (Nitinolstents). All cases were technically and functionally successful. in one patient the stent did not expand completely; it had to be removed and a second introduced. There were no other complications from the stent implantation. During the period of observation of 136 +/- 86 days one stent (11%) was reobstructed by tumor growing into the stent. Two patients died after 60 and 119 days, both with open stents. Early experience with the Nitinolstent indicates that good palliation of malignant dysphagia can be achieved with a much lower complication rate than results from tube implantation. The design and application system of the stent is capable of further improvement.