Simultaneous Placement of Multiple Airway Stents in Three Patients With Extensive Airway Stenosis: A Case Series.

Abstract

Airway stenting is a critical therapeutic intervention for managing airway obstruction caused by both malignant and benign conditions. While Dumon Y-stent placement is sometimes indicated for patients with extensive airway narrowing, facilities capable of performing rigid bronchoscopy are limited. In such cases, the use of multiple self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) via flexible bronchoscopy under local anaesthesia presents a valuable alternative. We report three cases in which multiple airway stents were placed simultaneously using this approach. Case 1 involved a patient with stage IV squamous cell lung cancer, in whom the primary tumour caused extrinsic tracheal compression and direct invasion of the right main bronchus. Cases 2 and 3 were diagnosed clinically with tracheomalacia. In all three cases, the placement of multiple SEMS successfully relieved airway stenosis, improved oxygenation, and reduced dyspnoea, without major complications. These cases support the potential of simultaneous multiple SEMS placement as a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with extensive airway narrowing.