[Stent implantation as a palliative therapeutic measure in stenosing tumors of central airways].

PURPOSE: Stent implantation was used to treat patient with malignant tracheobronchial obstructions to determine the effectiveness in producing symptomatic palliation.

METHODS

18 patients (15 men and three women; median age 57 years) with malignant tracheobronchial stenosis were treated by application of metal stents (15 Palmaz-, 10 Gianturco-, 4 Wallstents). The indication for stent implantation was given in 13 patients by clinically significant dyspnea, besides in 5 patients by therapy resistant postobstructive pneumonia.

RESULTS

In 17 patients correct positioning of the stents was achieved and the symptoms completely disappeared until tumor related death. Median survival was 137 days (min. 10 days to max. 322 days). In one patient symptoms recurred three months after stent implantation.

CONCLUSION

The application of metal stents in patient with malignant tracheobronchial obstruction appears to be a useful palliation procedure. The treatment was well tolerated and very effective.