Migration Rates of Sutured vs Non-sutured Esophageal Stent Placement

No standard approach currently exists for endoscopic esophageal stent placement, and both sutured and un-sutured techniques are employed for esophageal stent placement currently. The primary purpose of this study is to find out if suture fixation of esophageal stents is superior to non-suture fixated stent placement. Consecutive patients who are scheduled for esophageal stent placement will be identified as potential study participants by study personnel and will be approached on the day of the procedure. Informed consent will be obtained and patients will be randomized into suture fixation and non-suture fixation groups. Patients in the suture fixation group will have their esophageal stent secured in location with two endoscopic sutures. Those in the non-suture fixation group will have no sutures placed. Main study outcome is stent migration, and rates of stent migration will be compared in the two groups.