Abstract
Introduction: There is limited experience with bronchoscopic placement of tracheobronchial Silicone in Egypt.
Aim of work: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the results of our experience with bronchoscopic placement of tracheobronchial silicone stents.
Methods: During 4 years period, 44 Dumon stents were inserted in the central airways of 40 patients using rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Data were collected from patient's records.
Results: Of the 40 patients with either benign (20) or malignant (20) tracheal stenosis, stents were indicated in stabilizing airway patency after tumor debulking, counteracting extrinsic compression, sealing malignant fistulas and treating complex type benign strictures in 22.5%, 27.5%, 7.5% and 42.5 % of patients respectively. One stent was placed in 36 (90%) patients and 2 stents in 4 (10%) patients. Four (10%) patients' required 2 stent procedures for adequate airway stabilization. Procedural complication in the form of trivial perforation of the bronchial wall occurred in 1 patient (2.5%). Stent migration occurred in 10 % of the patients, granuloma formation in 17.5%, tumor ingrowth in 7.5% and stent obstruction by mucus secretions in 7.5 % during first 3 months post stent insertion with an overall complications rate 45%. All complications were none life-threatening and all were reversibly managed. There was no mortality resulting from stent placement recorded.
Conclusions: Bronchoscopic placement of Dumon silicone tracheobronchial stent is easily applied and effective in the maintenance of airway patency. None life-threatening stent-related complications occur, but are easily managed.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015