Outcome of covered esophageal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia: Long-term results from the Ludwigshafen esophageal cancer register

Aims: Different types of covered metal stents are currently available for palliation of patients with malignant dysphagia. Data of their advantages and disadvantages are based on results from previously published prospective trials. Aim/methods: To evaluate efficacy and outcome of 4 different types of covered metal/plastic stents in malignant dysphagia. Prospective trial of 269 consecutive patients (pts.) with malignant dysphagia due to esophagogastric cancer. We used 4 types of covered esophageal stents (group A: Gianturco Z stent n=61 pts.; group B: Ultraflex stent n=103 pts.; group C: Flamingo Wallstent n=68…