Abstract

VALENTE, Carla; CATARINO, Alexandra; FERREIRA, António Jorge  and  CORDEIRO, Carlos Robalo. Efficacy and tolerability of airway stents. Rev Port Pneumol [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.3, pp.407-418. ISSN 0873-2159.

The function of airway stents is to keep the tubular structures open and stable. Their insertion is essentially indicated for intrinsic obstruction or extrinsic compression of the airway, fistulae or tracheobronchomalacia. The aim of this study was to determine the tolera bility and efficacy of airway stents in situations in which their insertion was vital. A retrospective study of airway stent insertion with rigid bronchoscopy (23 patients) was carried out over a two year period (2006-2007) at the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques Unit. We assessed indication, efficacy, tolerability, complications and exact insertion based on chest CT imaging. In all situations Dumon flexible silicon stents (Tracheobronxane ®) were used, with the need for complementary techniques such as laser therapy and mechanical dilation having been previously evaluated by flexible bronchoscopy. The authors conclude that stent insertion has no complications and good tolerability in the majority of advanced stage oncological situations with indication for palliative management.

Keywords : Tracheobronchial stent; rigid bronchoscopy.

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