Endoscopic stenting of esophageal cancer: the clinical impact

PURPOSE OF REVIEWTo summarize the most relevant articles with regard to endoscopic stenting of esophageal cancer published in 2006. RECENT FINDINGSIn 2006, there were two studies on esophageal stents with experimental designs and adequate size to contribute to an evaluation of esophageal stent technology. A study on an antireflux stent will not measurably change the current use of this device, but emphasizes the need for additional investigation. A study on a self-expanding plastic stent was the largest study to date demonstrating a self-expanding plastic stent to be comparable to self-expanding metal stents. Other published studies in 2006 on esophageal stents include review articles, case reports and small case series that are not addressed in this review. SUMMARYSelf-expanding metal stents remain an important option for the treatment of patients with tracheoesophageal fistulae and esophageal malignancies. Recent innovations are dominated by a shift toward self-expanding esophageal stents that are potentially removable. Such potentially removable stents allow for expanded clinical applications and will be the focus of publications in 2007.