Valved oesophageal stents in patients with oesophageal carcinoma.

INTERVENTION: Following stent insertion, symptomatic reflux may occur, to evaluate whether a valve may prevent this we are conducting this randomised controlled trial comparing valveless stents versus a stent with a valve. All patients entered into this study will have cancer obstructing the lower oesophagus and will be treated with metallic stents projecting into the stomach. There are two groups: One group will receive stents that have a valve that is designed to prevent stomach contents reaching the oesophagus. The other will have stents without a valve. We will look at how well the stents work at stopping reflux, how well they receive dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and what the complications are in each group. Subjects will be randomised using a book of random numbers. CONDITION: Oesophageal cancer ; Cancer PRIMARY OUTCOME: Dysphagia scores, barium reflux. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomised between stents with no valve but prescribed Omeprazole and stent with valve. Approx. 50 patients.