Summary
Bipolar thermocoagulation probes have been used to palliate dysphagia in six patients with an inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the upper third of the oesophagus. Median dysphagia grade was improved following treatment, and the only serious complication was the development of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula in one patient. Bipolar thermocoagulation probes are an alternative treatment for malignant strictures of the upper third of the oesophagus, a group that may be difficult otherwise to palliate.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Earlam RJ, Cunha-Melo JR (1980) Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a critical review of radiotherapy. Br J Surg 67: 457–461
Jensen DM, Machicado G, Randall G, Tung LA, English-Zych S (1988) Comparison of low power YAS laser and bicap tumour probe for palliation of esophageal cancer strictures. Gastroenterology 6: 1263–1270
Johnston JH, Fleischer D, Petrini J, Juergen Nord H (1987) Palliative bipolar electrocoagulation therapy of obstructing esophageal cancer. Gastrointest Endosc 33: 349–353
Lishman AH, Dellipiani AW, Devlin HB (1980) The insertion of oesophago-gastric tube in malignant oesophageal strictures: endoscopy or surgery? Br J Surg 67: 257–259
Watson A (1982) A study of the quality of life and duration of survival following resection, endoscopic intubation and surgical intubation in oesophageal carcinomas. Br J Surg 69: 585–588
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Robertson, C.S., Morris, D.L. Palliation of malignant upper-third oesophageal stricture by bipolar diathermy probe. Surg Endosc 3, 70–72 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00590903
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00590903