Removal of metallic stent by using polyflex stent in esophago-colic anastomotic stricture.

Abstract

Benign strictures or anastomoses of the esophagus can be treated by stents. However, short-term and long-term complications, including migration and hyperplastic tissue reaction can occur. Bowel reconstruction by interposition has been performed after esophagectomy. Stricture of cervical anastomosis is an important late complication. Self-expandable metallic stents have been used to improve this problem. To remove the obstructed metallic stent, self-expandable covered plastic stents can be used. Herein we present the removal technique of tissue-embedded self-expandable metallic stents by using self-expandable covered plastic stents after colon interposition in a case of benign cervical anastomosis of the esophagus due to caustic stricture.