Airway stents: a retrospective evaluation of indications, results and complications: In our 10-year experience

Background: Tracheobronchial stents (TBS) are the principal modality used to manage intrinsic tracheobronchial pathology and extrinsic airway compression. Objectives: To assess the placement, indications, surveillance management, complications, and long-term outcomes of the TBS managed by rijid endoscopy (RB) in our 10-year experience. Methods: The medical records of all patients who underwent TBS insertion in our center from Novenber 2008 to September 2018 were reviewed for background data, underlying diseases, symptoms, treatment, stent indications, complications and outcome. Results: A total of 305 patients received 340 TBS. TST were placed in patients with malignant (n = 223) and benign airway diseases (n = 82). Stents were in place for a median duration of 88 (34-280) days in patients with malignancies and 775 (228-2085) days in patients with benign diseases. There was no stent-related mortality. Mucostasis (19 %) and granulation tissue formation (17 %) were the most common stent‑related complications. Type of benign disease, the presence of metastatic tracheobronchial tumors, lenght of time past stent implantation and the shape of the stent were associated with development of complications. The 5-year survival rate was 70% for patients with bening diseases and 19% for patients with malignant diseases. Conclusions: TST offer a safe and effective therapy for patients who benign and malignant tracheobronchial pathology.