PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Murphy, G. J. TI - Stents in the oesophagus. AID - 10.1136/pgmj.71.838.453 DP - 1995 Aug 01 TA - Postgraduate Medical Journal PG - 453--456 VI - 71 IP - 838 4099 - http://pmj.bmj.com/content/71/838/453.short 4100 - http://pmj.bmj.com/content/71/838/453.full SO - Postgrad Med J1995 Aug 01; 71 AB - The use of self-expanding metal stents can markedly improve the care of patients with inoperable oesophageal malignancy. The stents can be easily introduced without the need for general anaesthesia. They have fewer complications during insertion than rigid stents and fewer complications than laser therapy. With these stents lumens of up to 2.5 cm are easily obtainable. The article considers the type of patient who may be suitable for stenting, the technique of insertion, benefits and complications of their use.