Introduction: Benign esophageal strictures are relatively frequent and can severely affect the quality of life of a patient. Stenting has been proposed for the treatment of refractory cases. Lesions affecting the cervical esophagus are more difficult to treat, and the placement of stents in this location has traditionally been restricted due to potential adverse events. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of endoscopic stenting in the management of refractory benign cervical esophageal strictures (RBCES) in a single-center cohort study. Methods: We analyzed 12 patients with RBCES (Kochman's criteria) and severe dysphagia. We recorded previous endoscopic treatments, stricture characteristics and demographic data. The two types of stents used were fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) and uncovered biodegradable stents (BDS). FCSEMS were removed eight weeks after placement, and BDS were followed-up until degradation. We assessed technical and clinical success, rate of stricture recurrence and adverse events. Results: The mean age of participants was 64 years (range 30-85). A total of 23 stents (13 FCSEMS and 10 BDS) were placed in 12 patients (median 1.92, range 1-4). The technical success rate was 96% (22/23 stents). Eight patients (66.6%) maintained adequate oral intake at the end of follow-up (median 33.3 months, range 3-84 months). Migration was recorded in 7/23 stents (30.4%) and epithelial hyperplasia in 4/23 stents (17.4%). No severe adverse events were noted. All patients complained of minor cervical pain after placement that was well controlled with mild analgesia. Conclusions: Endoscopic stent therapy seems to be effective and safe in the management of RBCES.

Health research institutes are a strategic commitment considered the ideal environment to develop excellence in translational research. Achieving quality research requires not only a powerful scientific and research structure but also the quality and integrity of management systems that support it. The essential instruments in our institution were solid strategic planning integrated into and consistent with the system of quality management, systematic evaluation through periodic indicators, measurement of key user satisfaction and internal audits, and implementation of an innovative information management tool. The implemented management tools have provided a strategic thrust to our institute while ensuring a level of quality and efficiency in the development and management of research that allows progress towards excellence in biomedical research.

Los institutos de investigación sanitaria son una apuesta estratégica que se configura como el entorno idóneo para el desarrollo de una investigación traslacional de excelencia. Una investigación de calidad no sólo requiere una estructura científica e investigadora potente, sino también calidad e integridad en los sistemas de gestión que le dan soporte. Los instrumentos esenciales en nuestra institución fueron una planificación estratégica sólida, estructurada, integrada y coherente con el sistema de gestión de la calidad, una evaluación sistemática con indicadores periódicos, la medida de la satisfacción de los principales usuarios y las auditorías internas, y la implantación de un sistema innovador de gestión de la información. Las herramientas de gestión implementadas han supuesto un impulso estratégico en nuestro centro, además de asegurar un nivel de calidad y de eficiencia en el desarrollo y la gestión de la investigación que permite el avance hacia una investigación biomédica de excelencia.

Health research institutes are a strategic commitment considered the ideal environment to develop excellence in translational research. Achieving quality research requires not only a powerful scientific and research structure but also the quality and integrity of management systems that support it. The essential instruments in our institution were solid strategic planning integrated into and consistent with the system of quality management, systematic evaluation through periodic indicators, measurement of key user satisfaction and internal audits, and implementation of an innovative information management tool. The implemented management tools have provided a strategic thrust to our institute while ensuring a level of quality and efficiency in the development and management of research that allows progress towards excellence in biomedical research.

Los institutos de investigación sanitaria son una apuesta estratégica que se configura como el entorno idóneo para el desarrollo de una investigación traslacional de excelencia. Una investigación de calidad no sólo requiere una estructura científica e investigadora potente, sino también calidad e integridad en los sistemas de gestión que le dan soporte. Los instrumentos esenciales en nuestra institución fueron una planificación estratégica sólida, estructurada, integrada y coherente con el sistema de gestión de la calidad, una evaluación sistemática con indicadores periódicos, la medida de la satisfacción de los principales usuarios y las auditorías internas, y la implantación de un sistema innovador de gestión de la información. Las herramientas de gestión implementadas han supuesto un impulso estratégico en nuestro centro, además de asegurar un nivel de calidad y de eficiencia en el desarrollo y la gestión de la investigación que permite el avance hacia una investigación biomédica de excelencia.