The management of tracheal obstruction

Abstract

The stenting of the tracheobronchial tree has become common method of palliative treatment in inoperable cases. The patients with malignant tracheal stenosis constitute the most numerous group. The airway patency should be restored prior to inserting the stent. The stent protects both trachea and bronchi from narrowing their lumen with malignant tissue. When malignant infiltration is accompanied by airway compression the stenting is the method of choice. The own model of tracheobronchial prosthesis has been invented. It enables the protection of both trachea and the bronchi. The stent is inserted endoscopically on rigid bronchoscope. It is the method of stenting, which allows the visual control during the whole procedure.