esophageal stent
Pronunciation: eh-SOF-ah-jee-al stent
A tubular device placed in the esophagus to maintain patency and relieve dysphagia in patients with esophageal or lung cancer causing compression.
Full Definition
Esophageal stents play a crucial palliative role in thoracic oncology, particularly for patients with esophageal cancer or lung cancer causing external esophageal compression. These self-expanding metallic or plastic devices are placed endoscopically to restore esophageal patency and improve quality of life by alleviating dysphagia. Covered stents reduce tumor ingrowth but may migrate, while uncovered stents provide better anchoring but allow tissue ingrowth. Complications include migration, fracture, bleeding, and perforation. Stent placement is typically reserved for patients who are not surgical candidates or as a bridge to more definitive therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Specify covered vs. uncovered type when documenting, as this affects complication profiles.
In Context
- "A covered esophageal stent was placed to relieve severe dysphagia caused by external compression from the lung mass." — Interventional procedure note
- "The patient's quality of life improved significantly after esophageal stent placement, allowing resumption of soft solid intake." — Follow-up assessment