Problems with oesophagus closing at join

Is there anyone can help with the following. My wife and I have both had oesophageal cancer, we have both had IV ops. For myself I am 6 years down the line and apart from the usual “new norm” I have been lucky. My wife on the other hand has suffered continually with the closing up of the oesophagus and this has been going on for the last three years. She has had 18 endoscopes which have included stretches and many stent insertions. The stents we are told can’t stay in any longer than 3 months. After stent removal the oesophagus stays open for about 3 months and then it’s repeat again. At her last clinic the consultant mentioned a stent which maybe could stay in longer but said it was expensive. Can anyone help with info on stents and is there anyone else out there suffering in the same way.

[Mauser1905]

It is a unique case that you both have undergone the same surgery. As you have noted yourself the oesophageal muscular responses are different t for every single oesophagectomy survivor.

Often the patients take long time for the joint to heal and creates a lot of challenges in the process. Same goes for joint contraction. This happens in quite a lot number of patients. Your wife won't be one in there.

From what you wrote if the expensive stent can stay linger would mean less nu ber of endoscopic for the hospital. That itself should pay way more over for the stent price. Sometimes the whole picture is not seen by decision makers. Mention this in a polite way to see if new stent is made available to her.

Good luck.