Work

Biodegradable and self-expanding metal stents in the treatment of children with strictures after esophageal atresia repair

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study compared the efficacy and complications of biodegradable stents (BDS) versus self-expandable fully covered metal stents (SEMS) in pediatric patients with strictures after esophageal atresia repair. METHODS: The charts of children with esophageal atresia (EA) undergoing stent treatment for anastomotic stricture were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes included time to reintervention (TTR) and procedural success, defined as no necessity of further intervention with a patent esophageal lumen at the time of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included stent-related complications. RESULTS: From November 2016 to March 2024, a total of 22 BDS and 26 SEMS were placed in 15 patients for strictures. Median TTR was 77 days for BDS vs. 49 days for SEMS. BDS-treated patients had a 64% lower relapse risk (HR: 0.36, CI: 0.19-0.7, p < 0.003). At the end of individual follow-up (median: 6 months), exclusive stenting succeeded in 4 patients, stenting with other minimally invasive procedures in 2, and with surgery in 2. Migration (18.8%) was more less frequent with BDS compared to SEMS (OR: 0.11, CI: 0.00-0.97, p < 0.028), while there was a trend towards more granulation tissue formation with BDS (OR: 3.48, CI: 0.99-24.2, p = 0.052). CONCLUSION: Although relapse occurs frequently in the long term, stenting may offer an alternative to assure esophageal patency in the medium term with only few and minor associated complications, notably stent migration and granulation tissue potentially causing restenosis. If placed for recalcitrant stricture, longer periods free of interventions are achieved in comparison to iterative dilatation, particularly when using BDS.

Source: Esophagus

DOI: 10.1007/s10388-026-01184-5

Authors: Johannes Melchior, Frauke Blaum, Oliver J. Muensterer

Institutions: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Klinikum Braunschweig

Language: English

Topic: Esophageal and GI Pathology

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,390