Esophageal stent

Esophageal stent is a tube placed in your esophagus to keep open a blocked area. The stent helps you to swallow solid food and liquids.

Indications

Esophageal stents are used to treat esophageal cancer, esophageal stricture, and other conditions that cause difficulty in swallowing. They can also be used to treat esophageal perforation and esophageal fistula.

Procedure

The procedure to place an esophageal stent is usually done under sedation. The stent is placed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end. The stent is then expanded to keep the esophagus open.

Types of Esophageal Stents

There are two main types of esophageal stents: self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and plastic stents. SEMS are more commonly used because they are more durable and less likely to move after placement.

Risks and Complications

Possible complications of esophageal stent placement include infection, bleeding, esophageal perforation, and stent migration.

Aftercare

After the procedure, patients may experience some pain or discomfort in the chest. This is usually temporary and can be managed with pain medication. Patients are usually able to eat normally within a few days after the procedure.

See Also

• Esophageal cancer
• Esophageal stricture
• Esophageal perforation
• Esophageal fistula
• Endoscopy
• Sedation

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