Clinical analysis of expandble metallic stent in benign tracheal & bronchial disease

양성 기관, 기관지 질환에서 확장성 금속 스텐트 사용에 관한 임상적 고찰

Background Insertion of tracheal stent in the treatment of benign tracheal & bronchial disease has increased since the introduction of expandable metallic stent. Material & Methods : Between Jan, 1995 and Feb. 2004, eight patients who had benign tracheo-bronchial disease underwent insertion of expandable metallic tracheal stent. We retrospectively analyzed stent insertion indications, complications, and following the result. Results : Surgical indications were post-intubation tracheal stenosis (1 case), tracheal stenosis following tracheal surgery (2 cases), tracheo-esophageal fistula (2 cases), broncho-pleural fistula(1 case), left main bronchus stenosis following bronchoplasty (1 case), and left main bronchus stenosis due to mediastinal repositioning (1 case). Expandable metallic tracheal stent was inserted in five patients to resolve dyspnea caused by airway obstruction, and to prevent recurrent pneumonia in three patients. The complication developed in 6 patients $75\%$; 3 cases of distal stenosis due to growth of granulation tissue, and one case each of tearing of posterior membrane, aggravation of tracheo-esophageal fistula, and airway partial obstruction due to stent migration. The stent was removed in 5 patients and tracheal surgery (tracheal resection and end to end anastomosis with primary repair of esophagus, pericardial patch tracheo-bronchoplasty, tracheal repair and omental wrapping) was performed in 3 patients. Conclusion Insertion of self expandable metallic stent in benign tracheo-bronchial disease is an effective means of relieving dyspnea for only a short period, and it did not increase the long term survival. Better means of treatment of benign tracheo-bronchial stenosis in necessary.