Retrievable Z-stents for the treatment of refractory corrosive esophageal strictures in children.

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Retrievable Z-stents for the treatment of refractory corrosive esophageal strictures in children.

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2015 Apr;25(2):160-4

Authors: Zheng J, Chang Z, Liu Z, Lu Z, Zhao J, Ma Y, Zhang J, Wang C, Guo Q

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of retrievable esophageal stents represents a new method to avoid multiple dilations for stenosis recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with a retrievable covered Z-stent for corrosive esophageal stenosis in children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 children were enrolled in this study. All patients had undergone balloon catheter dilatation (BCD) but without significant symptomatic improvement. A retrievable Z-stent was placed, and the dysphagia score was evaluated. After stent removal, healing was considered to have occurred if the score was 0 to 1 for at least 12 continuous months.
RESULTS: Stents were placed in all children without complications and were later removed successfully. Stents remained in situ for 4 to 8 weeks (mean, 7.4 weeks). Dysphagia scores decreased from 3 to 4 to 0 to 1 in all patients while the stent was in place. During the 12-month follow-up period, seven patients remained free from dysphagia, but eight children had recurrent stenosis and required a subsequent BCD to alleviate symptoms from the stricture. Six of them required placement of a second stent.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of a retrievable Z-stent is an effective method and may become the treatment of choice for corrosive esophageal stenosis in children.

PMID: 24327217 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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