[Treatment with expandable metallic stent in patients with carcinomatous airway stenosis--evaluation of patient's quality of life].

Abstract

The expandable metallic stent was used in 10 patients with carcinomatous airway stenosis. In all patients, the respiratory symptoms improved immediately after insertion of the stent. Eight of the 10 patients, performance status improved. Totally, the use of expandable metallic stent improved the quality of life for patients with carcinomatous airway stenosis. Complication was minimal. We conclude that expandable metallic stent for treatment of carcinomatous airway stenosis are useful in emergent cases.