Stent Flange-Induced Esophageal Stricture Treated with an Oral Steroid

Esophageal stent complications include stent migration, tumor ingrowth, perforation, a broncho-esophageal fistula, and gastroesophageal reflux. Development of a new stricture at a flange site after stent removal has been predicted but not yet reported. We experienced the first case of a recurrent esophageal stricture induced by a stent flange after stent removal. A fully covered metallic stent, which had been inserted 2 months ago for treatment of an anastomotic stricture, triggered another stricture at the flange site. Although endoscopic balloon dilatations were repeated several times and then the 2nd stent for rescue therapy was inserted, the stricture was refractory to all treatment. Thus, we prescribed oral prednisolone with repeated endoscopic balloon dilation; the stricture eventually improved. The oral steroid seemed to suppress stricture development. If a stent flange-induced refractory stricture is encountered, an oral steroid combined with endoscopic balloon dilation may be helpful.