J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Jul;31(1):35-41.

Treatment of Tracheobronchial Stenosis with a Self-Expandable Metallic Stents

• Choi YW
• Kim YS
• Jeon SC
• Hahm CK
• Choi CS

Abstract

PURPOSE
We analysed the role of modified Gianturco self-expandable stents in the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis in 13 patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We inserted modified Gianturco self-expandable stents under the fluoroscopic and bronchoscopic guidance. There were stenosis in the trachea(n--2), the right main bronchus(n=2), and the left main bronchus(n=9). The causes of the stenosis were endobronchial tuberculosis(n=10), intubation granuloma (n=l), restenosis after surgical reconstruction(n=2).
RESULTS
Dyspnea or wheezing was improved within 1 or 2 days following the procedure. There were 32% and 22% respective increase in average FEV1 and FVC. Lung perfusion scan showed 9.6% increase of perfusion in the involved lung. No complications related to the procedure were encountered. During follow-up period of up to 31 months, 2 patients showed tracheal or bronchial restenosis, at 3 and 6 months, retrospectively. There was a distal migration of the stents in one case.
CONCLUSION
During the follow up period after stent insertion, improvement of the obstructive changes and dyspnea persisted in 10 out of 13 patients. The modified Gianturco self-expandable metallic stents may be a good choice for the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis, either as a primary treatment, or when the reconstruction failed.

MeSH Terms

Constriction, Pathologic*
Dyspnea
Follow-Up Studies
Granuloma
Humans
Intubation
Lung
Perfusion
Respiratory Sounds
Retrospective Studies
Stents*