Disappearance of esophageal carcinoma after stenting combined with endoscopic laser therapy

• A 92-year-old man with dysphagia secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was palliated repeatedly with endoscopic laser therapy and insertion of esophageal stents. During the treatment period of 32 months, the patient could be fed perorally while ingrowth of tumor, development of new stenoses at the edges of the stents, and breakage of one stent were encountered. A tracheoesophageal fistula developed at the upper edge of the first stent. The patient died from aspiration pneumonia. At autopsy, no cancer cells were found in the esophagus. Combined endoscopic laser treatment and stent therapy may keep a patient free from dysphagia during a long period of time and also may result in the complete disappearance of tumor growth in the esophagus.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Coated stents

Esophageal carcinoma

Esophagus

Laser

Self-expanding stents

Stents

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)