A simplified technique of esophageal self-expandable metallic stent placement without fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance for treating esophageal carcinoma

摘要

Background/AimsSelf-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement with fluoroscopic guidance is a commonly used technique to relieve obstruction in patients with esophageal carcinoma. However, it has disadvantages such as radiation exposure. SEMS placement with endoscopic guidance also has the disadvantages of causing discomfort to patients as the endoscope and SEMS assembly are simultaneously used and it needs two experts for the procedure to be performed. To overcome these disadvantages, a simplified technique for SEMS placement was developed that does not require fluoroscopic or endoscopic guidance. Our objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of this simplified technique with the conventional SEMS placement method.