What is Esophageal Stenting?
Esophageal stenting is a medical procedure that involves the placement of a stent (a small, expandable metal or plastic tube) in the esophagus to treat strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) or obstructions caused by cancer or other diseases. The stent acts as a scaffold, keeping the esophagus open and allowing food and liquid to pass through to the stomach.
Esophageal stenting can be performed using a flexible endoscope, which is a long, thin tube with a camera and light at the end that is passed through the mouth and down into the esophagus. The stent is inserted through the endoscope and positioned at the site of the stricture or obstruction. The stent is then expanded to the appropriate size, using a balloon or other mechanism, and left in place permanently or for a specific period, depending on the patient's condition.
Esophageal stenting is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for esophageal strictures or obstructions, and can improve a patient's ability to swallow, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve overall quality of life. Your doctor can help determine if esophageal stenting is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition.
Why and when is Esophageal Stenting recommended?
Esophageal stenting is recommended as a treatment option for patients with esophageal strictures or obstructions caused by a variety of conditions. Here are some examples of when and why esophageal stenting may be recommended:
Esophageal cancer: When a tumor grows in the esophagus, it can cause a narrowing or obstruction that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass through. Esophageal stenting can be used to keep the esophagus open and improve swallowing function in patients with advanced cancer who are not candidates for surgery.
Benign strictures: Strictures can occur in the esophagus due to scarring or damage from acid reflux, radiation therapy, or other causes. Esophageal stenting can be used to treat benign strictures and improve swallowing function.
Recurrent strictures: In some cases, strictures may recur even after previous treatments such as dilation or surgery. Esophageal stenting may be recommended as an alternative treatment option in these cases.
Esophageal stenting is typically recommended after other treatments such as medication, dilation, or surgery have been attempted and have not been successful. Your doctor can help determine if esophageal stenting is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition.
How is Esophageal Stenting different from other conventional treatments?
Esophageal stenting is a minimally invasive treatment option that differs from other conventional treatments in several ways:
Non-surgical: Unlike traditional surgical procedures, esophageal stenting can be performed without the need for major surgery. This means that patients may experience less pain, have a shorter hospital stay, and have a quicker recovery time.
Minimal anesthesia: Esophageal stenting typically only requires mild sedation or local anesthesia, rather than general anesthesia, which further reduces the risks associated with the procedure.
Shorter recovery time: Because esophageal stenting is minimally invasive and does not involve major surgery, patients typically experience a shorter recovery time than with other treatments.
Improved quality of life: Esophageal stenting can improve quality of life by allowing patients to eat and drink more easily and with less discomfort, reducing the need for feeding tubes or other interventions.
Fewer complications: Compared to surgery, esophageal stenting has a lower risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding tissues.
How is life after Esophageal Stenting?
For many patients, esophageal stenting can significantly improve quality of life by allowing them to eat and drink more easily and with less discomfort. However, life after esophageal stenting can vary depending on the patient's individual circumstances and the reason for the stent placement. Here are some potential outcomes after esophageal stenting:
Improved swallowing: For patients with strictures or obstructions in the esophagus, esophageal stenting can improve swallowing function and reduce difficulty swallowing.
Reduced pain and discomfort: Esophageal stenting can reduce pain and discomfort associated with strictures or obstructions, making it easier for patients to eat and drink.
Regular follow-up appointments: After esophageal stenting, patients will typically need to have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor the stent and ensure that it is working properly.
Possible side effects: Esophageal stenting can cause some side effects, such as reflux, nausea, or vomiting, which may need to be managed with medication or other treatments.
Overall, life after esophageal stenting can be significantly improved for many patients, but it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure that the stent is working properly and that any potential complications are identified and treated promptly.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What causes liver cancer?
In some scenarios the cause of liver cancer is identified, for instance chronic hepatitis infection damages the DNA in the liver cells and cause liver cancer. Sometimes liver cancer occurs in patients with no underlying health conditions and it's not clear what causes it.
What are the diets to be followed after bariatric surgery?
Your dietitian will help you to follow an ideal dietary plan. Usually, the diet includes foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, also it is important to manage the fluid intake to keep hydrated.
Is the bariatric procedure safe?
Yes, it is relatively safe procedure with the help of cutting-edge modern technology and experienced medical team at Aster Medcity, Kochi
How liver cancer is diagnosed?
Liver cancer is diagnosed by performing following tests and procedures; It is not possible to diagnose hepatic cancer by doing normal blood tests. A specific blood test is done to find levels of alfa-fetoprotein in serum (AFP). Increased levels of AFP indicate presence of liver cancer. Sometimes the doctor may suggest imaging studies such as a CT or MRI scan. Liver biopsy is another method used to identify malignant or benign tumour. It is done is by removing tissue from liver and examining under the microscope, liver biopsy can be done along with CT scan. Another method to identify liver cancer is by doing laparoscopy, in this procedure the surgeon assesses the signs of hepatocellular carcinoma by inserting a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip (laparoscope) by making a small incision in the abdomen.
What are the main risk factors affecting liver cancer Treatment?
There are many factors which affects the liver cancer treatment which includes Certain liver conditions: - Non-alcoholic fatty liver - Liver cirrhosis developed due to Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Diabetes: Poorly managed type 2 diabetes can make fatty liver and could make the liver cancer worse.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Most of the time the Signs and symptoms of liver cancer do not show up until the later stages, but sometimes the signs and symptoms may show up in the beginning stage. Listed below are the common symptoms of liver cancer of hepatic cancer: You may notice unplanned Weight loss, lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting and a feeling of fullness after having a small meal. Enlarged liver & spleen, pain in the right shoulder blade, abdominal pain and swelling Itching and Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) People with hepatic cancer may experience fever, enlarged veins on the belly that can be seen through the skin, and abnormal bruising or bleeding. Some signs and symptoms of hepatic cancer include increased blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) and high cholesterol levels
What are the treatments available for obesity?
The aim of the obesity treatment is to maintain a healthy Body mass index (BMI) to prevent many other diseases associated with obesity. Following a healthy dietary pattern and regular physical activity helps in sustaining overall health.
Do Genetic reasons cause obesity?
Genetic predisposition is one of the reasons for obesity, it is a well-known and currently proven fact. Around 43% of the general population is susceptible to become obese due to genetic factors.
How obesity can be identified?
The ideal way to measure obesity is by calculating Body mass index (BMI) of a person. BMI is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2). Increased BMI shows high body fatness.
When would I be able to return to work after bariatric surgery?
Usually, it may take up to one to two weeks to return to work, depending on the type of procedure that you undergo.
Are there any side effects of undergoing bariatric surgery?
The side effects of bariatric surgery are relatively lesser compared to the health issues that you suffer from obesity. Some side effects may include general weakness, malnutrition, temporary hair loss. You can overcome these issues by following the guidelines from dietitians and doctors.
How liver cancer is treated?
Treatment of liver cancer depends upon various factors, it includes the extent of the liver cancer, patients age, health conditions and personal preferences. Surgery: In liver surgery, the liver cancer cells and small portion of healthy liver tissue is removed to promote liver health. Liver transplant surgery: In liver transplant surgery the diseased liver of patient is replaced by whole or partial healthy liver from another person. Heating cancer cells. This is a minimally invasive procedure; the cancerous cells are ablated by using heat generated from medium frequency electric current. Freezing cancer cells: liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the cancer cells with the help of a surgical instrument (cryoprobe) Alcohol injection: In this method alcohol is directly injected to the tumour to treat liver cancer. Injecting Chemotherapy drugs: Injecting chemotherapy drugs directly to the liver is known as chemoembolization, it can be done as stand-alone treatment or in combination with ablation or surgery.
What are the prevention methods for liver cancer?
When it comes to prevention of liver cancer, it is really important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by doing regular exercise and following a balanced diet. Also, avoid hepatitis infection and exposure to cancer-causing substances such as aflatoxins, a toxin found on agricultural crops such as maize.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex disease characterized by abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in body that may impair health. People who have obesity are prone to develop heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer.
What are the types of liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)?
There are mainly five types of liver cancer based upon the type of cell in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of primary liver cancer which affects the main liver cells called hepatocytes. People with cirrhosis and men are more prone to get Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Fibrolamellar carcinoma Fibrolamellar carcinoma is rare liver cancer, it comes as a subtype of Hepatocellular carcinoma and usually seen in healthy teens and adults under 40 years old. Interestingly, people diagnosed as Fibrolamellar carcinoma is not usually associated with liver cirrhosis or Hepatitis B or C infection. Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare liver cancer of the bile ducts, also categorized under primary liver cancer. The carcinoma begins in the section of ducts inside the liver is called intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma a type of rare liver cancer affects the blood vessels of the liver; it is commonly seen in the elderly population. Angiosarcoma is also known as soft tissue sarcoma or haemangiosarcoma. Hepatoblastoma: Hepatoblastoma is a kind of rare primary liver cancer that mainly affects children under 3 years old.
Is obesity curable?
Obesity is a progressive and relapsing chronic disease which can be either prevented or reduced by losing weight by following a healthy dietary pattern and regular regimen of exercise.
What are the causes of Obesity?
The primary cause of obesity is the energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Overweightness is commonly caused by over eating and sedentary lifestyle. For instance, if you consume high amounts of energy, particularly fat and sugars, but do not burn off the energy through exercise and physical activity, much of the surplus energy will be stored by the body as fat. Factors that can lead to obesity are, Increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugars Decrease in physical activity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of work Environmental and societal changes associated with development Lack of supportive policies in health, agriculture, environment, food processing and education Diseases – Hypothyroidism, Chronic stress, Insomnia & Hypersomnia Eating Disorders Smoking cessation Drugs
Blogs
The source of trustworthy health and medical information. Through this section, we provide research-based health information, and all that is happening in Aster Hospital.
