Temporary use of a new fully-covered self-expanding metal stent for the management of post-esophagectomy strictures

Perioperative morbidity rates following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer remain quite high (26-41%) even at high-volume centers. Complications may include stricture at the esophagogastric (EG) anastomosis, as well as tracheo-esophageal or tracheo-gastric fistula formation. Fully-covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) have only recently been described for use in benign esophageal disease. The use of FCSEMS for the management of postoperative complications following esophagectomy has not been well studied. We report our observations in three consecutive patients that underwent placement and subsequent removal of a new, fully-covered metal stent (Wallflex^® esophageal stent) for treatment of dysphagia due to a persistent stricture at the EG anastomosis.