Use of MousseauBarbin tube in the palliative management of advanced oesophageal carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Oesophageal Cancer is a lethal malignancy with propensity for early spread, and late presentation. Quite a number of patients present late; necessitating palliation as the main aim of treatment. Palliation involves the restoration of luminal continuity. This may be achieved by dilatation, tumour fulguration, and or stent insertion or intubation. MousseauBarbin tube is one of the oesophageal traction tubes developed for use in these patients.

Objective: This study was to highlight our use of MousseauBarbin tube for oesophageal intubation. To report our method and experience with itand to audit our practice in the last 11 years.

Methods: All oesophageal cancer patients presenting within the period 2004-20011 were retrospectively reviewed, specifically selecting those who had oesophageal intubation.

Results: A total of 76patients with features of carcinoma of the oesophagus were seen. Seventeen (17) had oesophageal intubation with MousseauBarbin tube. The Mean age was 61.3years (49- 75yrs). Nine (52.9%) patients had stage III disease whereas 8(47.1%) had stage IV disease with demonstrable spread to abdominal and thoracic organs. Patency following the procedure was 100%. There was no case of displacement. Operative Mortality was 1 who died from aspiration within the week of surgery.

Keywords: Oesophageal cancer, oesophageal intubation, MousseauBarbin tube