Objective:To evaluate therapeutic effect of membrane-covered self-expanding metallic stent on high-positioned advanced esophageal carcinoma

esophagotracheal fistula and anastomotic stricture

and relevant problems to stent implantation.Methods:23 membrane-covered self-expandable stents were implanted in 23 patients with high-positioned advanced esophageal carcinoma (12 cases)

esophagotracheal fistula (6 cases) and high-positioned anastomotic stricture (5 cases).The implantation of the stents was performed under endoscope or perorally.Results:The severity of dysphagia was reduced

and life quality of the patients was improved significantly.One stent had to be taken out for severe pain. The positions of 3 stents were successfully adjusted by endoscope for improper position after the first implantation.6 patients suffered from the disorder of pharyngeal function after implantation

among which 5 were cured

and 1 had the stent taken out.Conclusion:Membrane-covered self-expanding metallic stent is effective

safe and easy to insert

especially for patients with the stricture of the high-positioned advanced esophageal carcinoma

and the esophagotracheal fistula.However stent is not the first choice for the treatment of anastomotic stricture.Post-implantation pain

improper position of stent and the disorder of pharyngeal function can be solved by active management.