Tracheal stent migration in malignant central airway obstruction – a case report and systematic review of literature

Abstract

Airway stents are critical in maintaining airway patency and managing Central Airway Obstruction (CAO) caused by malignant and benign conditions. Despite their effectiveness, complications such as stent migration are common. We report a case of a 25-year-old female with malignant CAO, which was initially managed with an ultra-flex Self-Expanding Metal Stent (SEMS) followed by stent migration and subsequently interlocking SEMS with Y stent deployment. This case report highlights the complexity of managing malignant CAO. More research is needed to establish optimal practices for preventing stent migration and improving patient outcomes. A systematic review of the literature on airway stent migration was also conducted, revealing an incidence of 5-17%, with higher rates in tracheal stents. Factors such as lesion characteristics and location significantly impact migration risk. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of SEMS compared to silicone stents, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in stent placement and fixation to mitigate migration risks.