Abstract:Abstract: Objective To assess the safety and effectiveness of removable, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents in patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures. Methods The date of 33 patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures treated with removable, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents were retrospected. Feasibility, safety and effects were evaluated accordingly. Results Thirty-three patients underwent esophageal stent placement for refractory benign esophageal strictures, with a total of 41 stents were placed. 8 out of 33 patients underwent a second stent placement. All of the patients experienced different levels of chest pain and foreign body sensation after stent placement. Stents migration were observed in 11 patients (with a total of 14 stents), the migration rate was 34.1% (14/41). The other 22 patients with a total of 27 stents were removed within 4 ~ 8 weeks after placement. No obvious bleeding or esophageal rupture was found during stent placement or stent removal. None of patients died with stent placement. All of the patients were followed up regularly after stent removal (>12 months), 12 out of 33 patients were free from dysphagia, the stricture resolution rate was 36.4% (12/33). Conclusion Use of removable, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents seem to be a safe and reliable method of treatment in patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures. It can make some patients were successfully free from dysphagia, but have a high incidence of stents migration, so the further research will be necessary to solve this problem.