Ces radiol. 2011, 65(2):131-136

The treatment of benign oesophageal strictures resistant to the balloon dilation by biodegradable stentsOriginal article

Martin Köcher¹, Vlastimil Válek², Marie Černá¹, Jiří Kozák¹, Čestmír Neoral³, René Aujeský³, Tomáš Andrašina²

¹ Radiologická klinika LF UP a FN, Olomouc

² Radiologická klinika LF MU a FN, Brno

³ I. chirurgická klinika LF UP a FN, Olomouc

Aim: Non-surgical therapy is generally preferred in benign strictures. Dilation is a first-choice method in benign stricture. However, some strictures are resistant to dilation. The biodegradable stents, used for elective therapy of benign esophageal stenoses, which are resistant to the balloon dilation, will produce long-term dilation with preservation of free food intake. Because of gradual degradation it is not necessary to retreive them. The aim of our study is to present the first experience in implantation technique and clinical effectiveness of a new type of esophageal biodegradable stent in the treatment of benign oesophageal strictures resistant to the balloon dilation.

Method: Biodegradable SX ELLA Esophageal Stent is a self-expandable stent braided from synthetic, absorbable monofilament which is composed of polydioxanone. From March 2007 to December 2010 we treated 15 patients (12 men, 3 women, mean age 65.5 years) by 20 stents for benign oesophageal strictures resistant to the balloon dilation.

Results: Stent placement was successful and well tolerated in all patients. Primary clinical success was achieved in 6 patients (40%), secondary clinical success in 12 patients (80%). Pain was observed in 1 patient, migration in 2 patients and fistula in 1 patient. Mucosal hyperplasia was observed in 3 and restenosis in 4 patients.

Conclusion: The use of biodegradable SX ELLA Esophageal Stent is feasible and safe. Its use eliminates the need of removing the stent after long-term dwelling in situ as well as the risk of complications related to the removal. However, mucosal hyperplasia and restenosis are relatively frequent complications and more patients and longer follow up is needed.

Keywords: esophagus, benign stricture, stent, biodegradable stent

Grants and funding:

Práce byla podpořena grantem IGA MZ ČR č. NS 10288-3/2009 a grantem IGA UP Olomouc č. LF-2011-007.

Accepted: March 31, 2011; Published: June 1, 2011  Show citation