Objective: To evaluate implantation technique and clinical effectiveness of a new type of oesophageal covered stent - FerX Ella stent - in the palliative treatment of oesophageal stenoses. Material and method: FerX Ella stent (Ella-CS, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic) is an oesophageal self-expandable stent covered with polyester or polyethylene. This stent is available in a modified form with an antireflux valve. From October 1998 to July 2000, authors treated 30 patients with inoperable tumours of the oesophagus or cardia by insertion of a new FerX Ella oesophageal stent. Of the 30 patients 24 were men and 6 were women who ranged in age from 45 to 91 years (mean 57.9 years). Results: Stent insertion was successful and well tolerated in all patients. Relief of dysphagia was remarkable within two days (at least two grades) in 29 patients. Five patients from our group had oesophagorespiratory, oesophagomediastinal and oesophagopleural fistulae, all were successfully solved. Seven complications occurred (22 %), including food impaction (n = 4), stent migration (n = 1), tumour obstruction (n = 1) and massive haemorrhage (n = 1). Conclusion: FerX Ella stent is safe and effective for palliation in patients with malignant oesophageal and cardial obstructions. This stent is easily released and the rate of stent migration is relatively low. The change of design of the stent skeleton did not change the antireflux properties.

        Key words: oesophagus – stenosis – obstruction – stent