Simple and useful endoscopic technique in the re-establishment of esophageal patency for the treatment of a completely obstructed esophagus.

Abstract

Complete esophageal obstruction by benign or malignant diseases is an extremely morbid condition resulting in a very poor quality of life. Nutritional support through gastrostomy feeding or total parenteral nutrition is required to sustain life for such a patient. Re-establishment of esophageal patency allows for resumption of oral intake resulting in a marked improvement in the quality of life and avoids the complications associated with nutritional support through alternate routes. We describe a simple, safe, and effective endoscopic technique in the re-establishment of esophageal luminal patency.