Esophageal stents

Esophageal stents are often used to treat the side effects of cancer of the esophagus by using a tube, or stent to keep the blocked area open. Find out what to expect from an esophageal stent procedure, resources, support, and more.

Already had an esophageal stent procedure? Visit our support page for more information.

Understanding esophageal stents

An esophageal stent is a flexible mesh tube that is placed through the narrow area of your esophagus to allow food and liquids to pass from your mouth to your stomach for digestion and absorption of nutrients. The stent gently expands to hold the narrowed area of the esophagus open which helps make the passage of food easier.

Uses of esophageal stents

Esophageal stents are used to treat a variety of conditions. Physicians, most often use this type of stent to treat the following conditions:¹

Side effects of esophageal cancer
Cancer of the top part of the stomach
Narrowing of the esophagus as it's pushed from the outside by a cancer (such as lung cancer) or enlarged lymph nodes
Narrowing of the esophagus from an ulcer
Narrowing of the esophagus from radiation treatment
Abnormal opening between the trachea (wind pipe) and esophagus
A hole in the esophagus and the condition caused by the hole

What to expect from your procedure

Your esophageal stent procedure may take place under general anesthesia or sedation. Your doctor will decide what's best for you based on your overall health.

During the procedure

The doctor puts a tube called a delivery system or a through-the-scope delivery system into your esophagus. The doctor will then use the stent to open the blockage in your esophagus. Depending on the type of stent your doctor is using, this can work in a variety of ways.

After the procedure

Esophageal stent placement is often done on an outpatient basis. After your procedure, you will rest and recover as your care team monitors your progress for a few hours. When you are ready, the doctor will release you to go home. Make sure someone is there to drive you as you will still be unsteady from the anesthesia. Chest discomfort immediately following your procedure is normal. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medicines as you need them. As you recover, be mindful of what you eat and adhere to a low-residue diet. Some stents are temporary while others are permanent. Speak to your doctor about stent removal.

Understand the risks

As with any procedure there are risks. You should consult with your physicians to understand these risks such as:¹

Pain in the esophagus which is quite immediate and presents as chest pain
Bleeding (usually mild)
New hole in the esophagus (rare)
Movement of the stent above or below leading to symptoms coming back
If the stent was placed for narrowing from tumor, you may experience tumor growth into the stent
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD or heartburn)

Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional

Non-clinical testing has demonstrated that the WallFlex Esophageal Stent System, Ultraflex Esophageal NG Stent System and Agile Esophageal Stent System are MR Conditional. These stents can be scanned safely under the conditions outlined in the Instructions for Use.

Please consult with your physician. Your physician should refer to the package insert for details. Prescriptive information for each device can be found here.

Download the Ultraflex Esophageal NG Stent System

Download the Agile Esophageal Stent System

Download the WallFlex Esophageal Stent System

CAUTION: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the product labeling supplied with each device.

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Reference:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. What is an esophageal stent procedure? Accessed May 20, 22 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esophageal-stent-procedure