[Stents in the tracheobronchial tree].

Interventional procedures in bronchoscopy such as tissue ablation by laser, bronchusdilatation, stenting, endobronchial radiotherapy have a firm established position as treatment modalities for severe tracheobronchial obstruction. They allow quick and effective treatment of sometimes life threatening tracheal and bronchial obstructions. This article focuses on stents in the airways. A brief description of historic development is given. Currently available and frequently used stents are shown. There advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Indications for Stent-insertion in particular and for interventional endoscopy are summarized and the different techniques for insertion outlined. Based on the published literature results and complication rates are discussed.