Out-patient palliative therapy for advanced cancer of the oesophagus

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To establish an economical, safe and effective palliative mode of treatment in cases of advanced cancer of the oesophagus. DESIGN:

A retrospective study on patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus treated with endoscopic pulsion intubation. SETTING:

Out-patient treatment at the author's surgery at the Hurlingham Medicare Plaza, Nairobi. SUBJECTS:

Seventy three patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of carcinoma of oesophagus. INTERVENTION:

Endoscopic pulsion intubation with endoprosthesis placement to relieve dysphagia. RESULTS:

Marked improvement in dysphagia by at least two grades within six hours of intubation. No major complication or procedure associated mortality. CONCLUSION:

Endoscopic pulsion intubation is safe, economical and very effective palliative mode of treatment in advanced cases of cancer of the oesophagus.