What is the life expectancy of someone with a stent in the esophagus?

The life expectancy for someone with an esophageal stent depends on the underlying condition that led to stent placement. 

Some general points about life expectancy with esophageal stents:

- Benign strictures: If a stent is placed for a benign esophageal stricture, such as from reflux or radiation, life expectancy is often not significantly impacted. Appropriate dilatation and stenting can allow normal swallowing and life expectancy.

- Cancer: For esophageal cancer patients, stents are typically placed for palliation. Unfortunately, metastatic esophageal cancer has a very poor prognosis, with median survival after diagnosis around 6-12 months. Stents help improve quality of life but do not significantly prolong survival.

- Achalasia: Stents may be placed in Achalasia patients as a last resort after the failure of other treatments. Achalasia alone does not impact life expectancy if managed well. Stents come with complications though, and surgery is generally a better option if possible.

- Other benign causes: For conditions like fistulas or leaks, stents are usually temporary. Life expectancy depends on the underlying disease but is often normal if the leak/fistula resolves. 

Overall, esophageal stents themselves should not significantly impact life expectancy unless complications like migration, obstruction, or perforation occur. The patient's underlying condition is the major factor determining life expectancy with a stent in place. Close monitoring and management of stent-related complications is important.