Self-Expanding Esophageal Stents for the Management of Benign Refractory Esophageal Strictures in Children: A Systematic Review and Review of Outcomes at a Single Center

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate our outcomes and complication rate following placement of self-expanding esophageal stents in children for the management of refractory esophageal strictures and comparing these to the existing literature. Methods Outcomes following placement of stents in consecutive patients under 18 years at a single center from 2003-2018 were reviewed. A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted identifying studies with 5 or more children evaluating self-expanding stents published from 1975-2018. Endpoints for both the retrospective and systematic reviews were the requirement for further intervention and stent-associated complications. Results 25 patients received 65 stents. There were 12 caustic injury-related strictures (48%), 9 anastomotic strictures (36%), and 4 esophagitis-related strictures (16%). Four patients were lost to follow-up. 19/21 patients (90%) required further intervention, and 8/21 (38%) had esophageal replacement. Nine studies, all case series, were included in the systematic review. 97 patients received 160 stents for esophageal strictures and/or perforation. 36 out of 69 patients (52%) with strictures required no further treatment post-stenting, and 22/29 (76%) of esophageal perforations closed with stenting. Conclusions Esophageal stents may have a role as a bridge to definitive surgery and for the management of esophageal leaks, but complete stricture resolution post-stenting is unlikely. Type of Study Treatment Study (Case Series with no Comparison Group) Level of Evidence Level IV