Assessment of metallic self-expandable tracheal stents in the management of chronic tracheal obstruction

摘要

Abstract Introduction: Chronic tracheal obstruction secondary to different pathologies either benign or malignant; is considered a potentially life-threatening condition. The use of metallic self- expandable stents (SETS) to relieve airway obstruction in central airway lesions was previously reported.Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the use of metallic SETS in the management of central airway obstruction.Methods: This study was conducted at the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department of the Main Alexandria University Hospital, Egypt. All cases received SETS from January 2003 to December 2014 were included. Patients were classified into two main groups: benign and malignant tracheal obstruction. SETS were inserted under general anesthesia to relieve airway obstruction.Results: Thirty three patients were included in the study. Nineteen patients were in the benign group. The main indication of tracheal stenting was being unfit for surgery. Fourteen patients were included in the malignant group, Four of them (28.6%) had primary tracheal tumors.The stent was easily inserted in all patients with no significant intraoperative complications. Postoperative FU, the stents were well tolerated and all patients experienced good respiration. The most common complication encountered was obstructive granuloma which was statistically more significant in the benign group. Conclusion: SETS could be considered as a therapeutic option for inoperable benign or malignant central airway obstruction. Strict follow-up is mandatory for early detection and management of expected complications.Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenkonflikt an.