[The application of metal stent in the treatment of adult non neoplastic tracheal stenosis].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and the curative effect of the metal stent inserted in non neoplastic tracheal stenosis.

METHOD

In this study, 7 patients were treated with endotracheal metal ultraflex stent for non neoplastic tracheal stenosis, who had a contraindication or refuse to the surgery operation. There are six cases, their length of tracheal stenosis more than 4 cm. The other one, tracheal stenosis located at the tracheal fistula after total laryngectomy. Non-silica gel membrane metal stent were used in four cases, silica gel membrane metal stent were used in three cases.

RESULT

These stents were well tolerated and produced immediate symptomatic and functional improvement. Granulation tissue without obstruction of the airway was observed in 6 patients; only one patient had a local recurrence that needed a re-tracheotomy. One patient had to pull out the stent after 10 months of operation. The reason is local discomfort.

CONCLUSION

Metal stent has a good curative effect in the treatment of non neoplastic tracheal stenosis, especially for the nonresectable patient, and it is easy to operate. However, the results are not sufficient to assess the efficacy and tolerance of the device in the medium and the long term.