Living with an Oesophageal Stent

What is an oesophageal stent?

An oesophageal stent is a small metal or plastic tube put into the oesophagus (food pipe). It keeps the food pipe open.

A cancer in the oesophagus can partly or completely block it and make it difficult to swallow. Putting a stent into the blocked area opens up the food pipe again. This allows you to swallow food and drink more easily.

You have had an oesophageal stent inserted. The stent opens up gradually; it is important you take care when eating.

This leaflet gives you advice on how to introduce foods gradually until you are able to take more solid food, usually after about 2 weeks.

What should I eat after my stent has been inserted?

Day 1 – Day of insertion

You must only have clear fluids, for example, water, squash, fizzy drinks, meat or vegetable extract (Marmite, Oxo, and Bovril).

Day 2

You can drink any fluids.

You should have only pureed or soft foods, for example, soft cereals such as porridge, Weetabix, Ready Brek, soup, pureed puddings, smooth milky puddings or ice cream.

Days 3 and 4

You can now slowly increase the texture of your food, for example, mashed fish in sauce, finely minced meat and mashed vegetables with plenty of sauce or gravy, mashed potato, smooth milky puddings, ice cream, jelly, yoghurt, sponge and custard.

Day 5 onwards

Over the next few weeks you will be able to try other foods to find out what type and texture of food you can swallow comfortably.

How should I look after my stent?

You should always:

• Sit upright when you eat and try to relax.  
• Put only small amounts of food in your mouth at a time.
• Chew your food well before swallowing.
• Have small frequent meals or snacks (5 – 6 each day) rather than fewer larger meals.
• Use plenty of sauces, gravy, custard, milk or butter to moisten food and “help it to go down”.
• Clean the stent after eating by having a fizzy drink.

If your appetite is poor it is important to have small amounts of nourishing food more often.

What should I do if my stent becomes blocked?

If this happens you may notice some discomfort, difficulty swallowing and/or regurgitation (bringing back up) of food.

Try not to panic if you think your stent is still blocked. You should:

• Stop eating.
• Stand up and walk around.
• Take small sips of a fizzy drink.

If you still think your stent is blocked you should contact your GP, specialist nurse or local Accident and Emergency Department.

What foods can I have and what should I avoid?

What can I do if I have lost weight?

If you notice you have lost or are losing weight you could try to have more of the following:

• Milk. Try to have at least 1 pint (568mls) of full cream milk a day. You could try adding 4 tablespoons of skimmed milk powder whisked into the pint of milk to make it richer. Use this milk in drinks, cereals, puddings and sauces. Evaporated or condensed milk can also be used.

• Grated or Spreadable Cheese. This is high in protein and calories. Try adding grated cheese to potatoes, vegetables, soups, sauces, omelettes and scrambled eggs.

• Cream. Add to soups, sauces and puddings.

• Butter or margarine. Add to potatoes, vegetables and pasta.

• Sugar. Unless you have diabetes, use lots. Add to drinks, cereals and desserts. Honey and syrup can be added to Greek yoghurt, puddings and cereals. Check that fizzy drinks are not low calorie. Buy tinned fruit in syrup rather than natural juices.

• Build-up and Complan. These can be added to your diet.

• Alcohol. A small glass of alcohol can stimulate your appetite.

Some soft meal ideas

Breakfast

• Ready Brek /sloppy porridge or instant hot cereal.
• Weetabix with hot or cold milk.
• Other breakfast cereals (try leaving them to soften in milk for 2 – 3 minutes before eating).
• Poached or scrambled eggs.
• Tinned plum tomatoes.

Main meals

• Tender meat (braised, stewed or casseroled) cut up very small or minced with gravy.
• Fish in sauce.
• Cauliflower cheese.
• Shepherds or cottage pie.
• Corned beef hash.
• Macaroni cheese.
• Pasta dishes, for example, spaghetti bolognese or lasagne cut up very small.

Snack meals

• Soup; homemade or bought.
• Omelettes.
• Tinned spaghetti or baked beans.
• Jacket potato and filling (without the skin).
• Sandwiches with soft filling and crusts cut off.

Puddings

• Milk puddings for example semolina ,ground rice pudding .
• Yoghurt or fromage frais (not low calorie).
• Trifle.
• Custard.
• Fruit for example bananas, ripe melon, stewed fruit for example apples remove pips, peaches or nectarines without the skin.
• Egg custard.
• Crème caramel.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaint

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]