A benign condition is a relative contraindication to the use of self-expanding metallic stents, because these devices usually are not retrievable. The self-expanding plastic stent is removable and induces less tissue hyperplasia. This study prospectively evaluated the use of a self-expanding plastic stent to treat benign esophageal conditions.

Over 4 years, 21 patients underwent self-expanding plastic stent placement for various benign esophageal disorders, including refractory peptic (n=2), caustic (n=3), post-radiotherapy (n=3), and anastomotic (n=4) stenoses; hyperplastic (n=5) stenosis within a previously implanted metallic stent; and anastomotic leak (n=4) after esophagectomy. The self-expanding plastic stent was removed from all patients. Patients were followed for at least 8 months after stent removal.

Implantation was successful in all cases. Temporary self-expanding plastic stent placement was curative in 17/21 patients, especially those with caustic and hyperplastic strictures and anastomotic fistula, all of which were treated successfully without re-intervention. Median follow-up was 21 months (range 8-39 months) after stent removal. Moreover, by inducing tissue ischemia, self-expanding plastic stent allowed delayed removal of metallic stents. Only one severe complication (tracheal compression) was encountered, and this resolved after stent removal.

A range of benign stenosing disorders of the esophagus can be treated safely with a self-expanding plastic stent. Because the long-term results were highly favorable, self-expanding plastic stent placement could be used as the initial treatment for various conditions. Self-expanding plastic stent insertion within an esophageal self-expanding metallic stent allowed removal of the latter, theoretically unretrievable, stent.