The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Single-dose brachytherapy versus metal stent placement for the palliation of dysphagia from oesophageal cancer: multicentre randomised trial Lancet 2004; 364: 1497-1504.

Published: 1st January 2004

Authors: Homs MYV, Steyerberg EW, Eijkenboom WMH, Tilanus HW, Stalpers LJA, Bartelsman JFWM et al.

Conclusion

Dysphagia improved more rapidly after stent placement, but long term relief was better after brachytherapy in this trial that included 209 patients. There were more complications after stent placement, but the overall survival and recurrent dysphagia rates were similar.

Pubmed Link