The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 41, 531-534, Copyright © 1986 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
A new approach to the management of malignant esophageal obstruction and esophagorespiratory fistula
A Ghazi and M Nussbaum
Successful palliation of 6 patients with total or nearly total malignant
esophageal obstruction is reported. In 5 of the patients, laser
vaporization, dilation, and placement of an endoesophageal prosthesis
resulted in an esophageal lumen that allowed adequate swallowing of soft
food. In 1 patient with an esophagorespiratory fistula, the prosthesis
successfully occluded the fistula and prevented aspiration or pulmonary
infection until the patient's death. This rapidly achieved endoscopic
palliation represents a major advance in the management of a serious
medical problem.