Abstract

Palliation of dysphagia due to malignant obstruction of the oesophagus by passage of the Celestin tube is described in 36 cases. Although there was a high initial mortality, this was most marked when the tube was used to palliate dysphagia due to enlarged posterior mediastinal glands. Satisfactory palliation was obtained in all but one patient, and four patients survived more than six months in relatively good health. Tracheo-oesophageal fistula responded particularly well to the use of the indwelling tube. Gastro-intestinal bleeding and would complications accounted for the main morbidity following the procedure.