Airway stenting for benign tracheal stenosis: what is really behind the choice of the stent?

摘要

The study, from Charokopos et al. [1], regarding metallic stenting in benign tracheal stenosis rises some comments. It is always important to recall that airway stenting is indicated as palliation, irrespective of the underlying etiology. Palliation means that it should be considered only after all medical or surgical options have been exhausted. Thus, stenting can be considered as a primary treatment in some cases either as a bridge towards other managements or with a curative intent. 'A stent is a foreign body and nobody is perfect,' so after placement, one should expect and manage stent-related complications even several times in some patients. In malignancy, the word 'palliation' is particularly relevant, as most of the indications rely on palliative care and, the patients unfortunately die before stent-related complications. However, in benign indications, the choice or the stent is essential.