Metallic stents in the airway: should we continue to use them and can we remove them?

Abstract

Metallic stents have proven to be valuable tools for the management of both malignant and benign airway obstruction. Their use has become popular worldwide as has our knowledge of their long-term effects on the airway. It is essential to understand the implications of placing a metallic stent since they are not devoid of potentially significant complications. It is also important to acknowledge that metallic stents are not always easily removed and a lack of familiarity with the complexities of their removal can have serious consequences. In general, their use should be reserved for malignant airway obstruction or in rare cases of benign disease where all other options have been ruled out.