Post written by Roberto P. Trasolini, MD, MSc, from the Center for Advanced Endoscopy, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

We describe and demonstrate a technique for esophageal stent fixation using through-the-scope (TTS) suturing, a new technique that makes use of helix tacks connected by a 3-0 polypropylene suture that can be passed through the working channel of a standard endoscope. We discuss the relative risks and benefits of TTS suturing for stent fixation and compare it with alternatives.

This is an important video because current techniques for stent fixation have major limitations in efficacy, patient comfort, or cost. An effective, easy-to-remove method for esophageal stent fixation has the potential to broadly expand the application of fully covered stents in benign disease.

We share our experience with multiple strategies for TTS suturing for stent fixation and describe 1 case in detail, including the long-term outcome, and provide a detailed description and step-by-step video. 

Esophageal stent placement.

Read the full article online.

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