Stenting of malignant upper oesophageal obstruction: experience in a regional hospital in Singapore.

Oesophageal stenting for palliation of malignant obstruction with self-expanding metallic stents is undoubtedly well established. Numerous studies have proven it to be safe and easy to perform with good clinical outcomes. However, stenting of the upper oesophagus is still regarded with apprehension, with many endoscopists concerned about cough, significant throat discomfort or intolerable foreign body sensation. Owing to relatively lack of experience of stenting in the upper oesophagus, many patients ended up with feeding jejunostomy instead. Endoscopic laser boring or dilatation of the upper stenotic oesophageal tumour does not seem to be favoured as it is associated with perforation, bleeding, aspiration pneumonia and the need for several sessions of the procedure to achieve and maintain adequate luminal patency.This study aims to discuss the clinical effectiveness of specially designed cervical oesophageal stents for palliation of malignant upper oesophageal obstruction.