Abstract

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are widely used for the palliative treatment of malignant strictures of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, several studies tested whether a SEMS is an effective and safe option for benign esophageal stricture. 　Serious complications such as hemorrhage, compression of the bronchus, bronchoesophageal fistula, and esophageal rupture were infrequently encountered as complications of esophageal stent placement. Aortoesophageal fistula is extremely rare as a complication of esophageal SEMS insertion; only seven cases have been reported worldwide. We now report a case of an 80-year old female with aortoesophageal fistula after placement of a SEMS for an esophageal stricture. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2010;40:357-360)

• Keywords: Aortoesophageal fistula, SEMS, Benign esophageal stricture