Airway Stenting for Malignant and Benign Tracheobronchial Stenosis

Abstract

SUMMARY. A variety of techniques have been used to palliate the effects of large airway obstruction. Tracheobronchial stenting is the optimal endoscopic management for obstruction caused by severe extrinsic compression, intraluminal spread of malignant disease or loss of cartilaginous support. Between 1999 and 2004, 50 patients had silicone rubber stents to relieve symptomatic cen-tral airway obstruction. Stent placement was performed through a Harrel Universal rigid bronchoscope. The etiology of large airway obstruction included malignant disease in 30/50 (60%); benign disease in 17/50 (34%); and tracheoesophangeal fistula in 3/50 (17%), whilst in 6 of the 50 patients, two or more stents were required to achieve complete airway patency. There were complica-tions in 2/50 patients (4%); however, procedure- or stent-related mortality was null. Most patients (92.5%) had successful airway obstruction palliation. Airway stenting provides immediate and reliable palliation in the majority of patients with malignant and benign central airway obstruction. Multiple stents are frequently required in order to achieve satisfactory airway patency. Pneumon 2006, 19(3):245-251.