A prospective trial comparing two types of self-expanding stents in the palliation of malignant dysphagia: SEMS (Wallflex stent) versus SEPS (Polyflex stent)

Background: High-grade dysphagia is the predominant late symptom of local advanced esophagogastric cancer. Malignant dysphagia due to such cancers results in much patient morbidity and is associated with poor overall prognosis. Placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) is an established method of treatment for inoperable esophagogastric cancers. A self-expandable plastic stent (SEPS) has been developed recently. Aim/Methods: To evaluate efficacy and outcome of a special type of SEMS (Wallflex stent) versus the newly designed SEPS (Polyflex stent). Prospective randomized trial of 60 patients (pts.) with ma…