Endoscopically placed expandable metal tracheal stents for the management of complicated tracheal stenosis.

BACKGROUND

Metal stents have been advocated to manage complicated tracheal stenosis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation is to review the effectiveness of endoscopic placement of tracheal expandable metal stents for complicated tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

The charts of 6 patients who have undergone placement of metal expandable stents between 1998 and 2000 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Initially, all patients enjoyed immediate palliation of symptomatic tracheal stenosis. Eventually, 4 patients developed significant granulation tissue and/or recurrent stenosis, requiring intervention within 6 months after placement of the stent. One patient required the removal of the stent and placement of a T-tube silicone stent.

CONCLUSIONS

Metal stents provide temporary palliation for tracheal stenosis. Metal stents, however, are associated with a high incidence of obstruction with granulation tissue. Their use should be limited to a select group of patients with a short life expectancy (because of other comorbidities) or patients who are not good candidates for reconstructive surgery and/or who refuse or cannot tolerate a tracheotomy.