Enteral nutrition management following esophageal stent placement

Zhuang Zehao; Zhuang Anjie

doi:10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.01.001

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Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer ›› 2026, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (1) : 1-6. DOI: 10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.01.001

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Enteral nutrition management following esophageal stent placement

¹Zhuang Zehao, ²Zhuang Anjie

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Abstract

Esophageal stent placement is widely employed in the management of conditions including esophageal strictures, perforations, and fistulas. This intervention rapidly stabilizes the narrowed segment, seals luminal defects, and reestablishes oral intake. However, nutritional intake following the procedure is frequently compromised by stent-related complications—such as chest pain, migration, and food impaction—along with insufficient dietary guidance. This article examines factors influencing nutritional adequacy after esophageal stent placement and compares the features of different enteral access options. Oral intake post-stenting supports physiological function and preserves dignity, yet often falls short of meeting complete nutritional requirements. Enteral feeding routes, including nasogastric tube feeding and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, deliver more consistent nutritional support and are better suited for individuals with prolonged or severe oral intake deficits. A combined approach integrating esophageal stenting with tube feeding can reconcile the desire for oral intake with nutritional needs: the stent maintains a patent swallowing passage, while tube feeding ensures adequate energy and protein intake. Key measures for post-stent enteral nutrition management include early initiation, stepwise adaptation of food texture and temperature, and optimization of feeding posture. These strategies help mitigate risks such as reflux, aspiration, and other stent-related complications. In summary, a tailored and proactive nutritional support strategy is recommended after esophageal stent placement. When indicated, combined oral and tube feeding approaches—supported by careful feeding management—can enhance nutritional status and improve clinical outcomes.

Key words

Esophageal stent / Complications / Enteral nutrition / Nutritional access / Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy / Tube feeding / Combination therapy / Feeding management

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Zhuang Zehao, Zhuang Anjie. Enteral nutrition management following esophageal stent placement[J]. Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer. 2026, 13(1): 1-6 https://doi.org/10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.01.001

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