['Oesophageal cancer is generally associated with late presentation and poor prognosis. Therefore palliative surgery has been largely superseded by less invasive non-surgical techniques. Once palliation is indicated, the aims of the management should be: the maintenance of oral intake, minimizing hospital stay, relief of pain, elimination of reflux and regurgitation and the prevention of aspiration.', 'This study was a review of all published English language data on the palliation of malignant dysphagia between 1994-1999. The Medline and Bids databases were searched and other references were derived from the material perused.'] Do an update in the palliative management of malignant dysphagia?