Complications of tracheobronchial airway stents

Abstract

Objective: Our goal was to identify and analyze airway stent complications and to devise approaches to manage stent complications.

Study design and setting: We conducted a retrospective review of patients from a tertiary medical center.

Methods: Twenty-eight airway stents were placed in 23 patients for benign (n = 15) and malignant (n = 13) tracheobronchial diseases. All patients were followed clinically for signs of complications.

Results: Nine complications (8 in those with benign disease and 1 in a patient with malignant disease) were identified and included stent migration (n = 3), excessive granulation tissue (n = 2), stent fracture (n = 1), poor patient tolerance (n = 2), and inability to place (n = 1). Avoidance and management strategies for stent complications are introduced.

Conclusion: Tracheobronchial stents provide minimally invasive therapy for significant airway obstruction. Stent complications are more frequently encountered in the long-term treatment of benign conditions. Stents can be successfully removed endoscopically if complications arise, but the longer a metallic stent is in place, the more difficult it is to remove.

Significance: As airway stent use increases, proper management will be required to avoid and manage complications. This is the first report to focus on stent complications and their management.