Pulmonary-Respiratory Medicine

Abstract

Data collection: Data were provided by review of patients’ charts, interview of family doctors, external hospitals and in single cases interview of family members. Patients who came for controlling of the stent were also interviewed. Methods: Bronchoscopic procedure was done under general anaesthesia, intubation with a rigid bronchoscope, dilation by balloon, rigid scope or combination. Stent placement was mostly done under fluoroscopy. Stent removal and/or replacement were also done with a rigid bronchoscope under general anaesthesia. Only the procedures for placement of a Montgomery t-tube were done under local anaesthesia. Results: During the observation period the longest survival time so far was 18 years. In 19 patients the stent led to a relief of symptoms, mainly dyspnoea and stridor and was tolerated without major complications (Successful stenting). In 12 patients the stent had to be removed because of complications and another four patients died of stenting related complications. In 16 patients therefore stenting was called “not successful”. Conclusions: In comparison to patients with advanced malignant diseases, where stenting is supposed only palliative, patients with tracheo-bronchial diseases are not limited in their life expectancy from the local tracheal disease, if this can be treated. But often these patients are high risk patients concerning co-morbidities, technical and functional operability. In these patients a stent can therefore be an alternative to surgery. Nevertheless because of the high rate of complications, which can be also life threatening, the decision must be done carefully. Purpose: Review of stenting in benign tracheal stenosis in the long run concerning indications, tolerance of stents,