Outcomes of esophageal bypass surgery and self-expanding metallic stent insertion in esophageal cancer: reevaluation of bypass surgery as an alternative treatment.

Both bypass surgery and stent insertion allowed oral intake in patients who could not tolerate oral feeding because of esophageal stenosis or tracheoesophageal fistula. Considering that patients who undergo stent insertion have a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications, stent insertion may be a better first choice for treatment than bypass surgery. However, bypass surgery may be an option for patients who can tolerate postoperative treatment.