Fell tube insertion after orthograde dilatation of malignant esophageal obstruction: palliation and morbidity.

Twenty-eight patients with malignant esophageal obstruction had palliative treatment using the Fell endoesophageal tube. The usual plan for these patients, irradiation followed by resection, was not followed because of the presence of tracheoesophageal fistula, celiac or hepatic metastases, or marked debilitation which precluded major operation. Palliation was obtained in ten patients who were discharged in a mean of 16.5 days with the ability to swallow liquids or pureed or ground foods and had a mean survival of 116 days. There was a high incidence of tube-related symptoms in all patients, and increased dysphagia, tube regurgitation, and difficulties in initiating swallowing were noted in patients with lesions above 24 cm from the incisors. The high incidence of postoperative ocmplications was responsible for the poor palliation and low survival in the remaining 18 patients who had a mean survival of 41 days. It was concluded that orthograde dilatation or forced seating of the prosthesis through a malignant esophageal obstruction carries a significant risk of perforation of the esophagus which, if it occurs, negates the palliative aspects of the procedure, increases hospitalization, and decreases survival. It is recommended that this procedure be used selectively in patients not otherwise amenable to resectional therapy with lesions beyond 24 cm from the incisors.