Use of metallic stents for malignant airway obstruction (an analysis of 30 cases)

Objective: To access the feasibility and efficacy of metallic stent in the treatment of malignant airway obstruction. Methods: Thirty patients with lung cancer and esophageal cancer underwent placement of expendable metallic stents for respiratory distress caused by airway obstruction. 11 patients underwent additional therapy. Results: All 30 stenosis were located in the trachea. Only one stent was placed in each stricture site (12 Gianturco Z stents, 8 Wallstents, 10 Ultraflex). One patient died six days after stenting. And 2 patients were lost 10 days later. 16 patients without additional therapy lived from 35 to 80 days (mean survival, 65 days) after stent placement. 7 patients with additional chemotherapy lived from 40 to 95 days (mean survival, 80 days) after stent placement. 4 patients with additional radiotherapy and chemotherapy had the mean survival period after stenting of 11 months (range, 90 to 730 days). Conclusion: Although metallic stents are useful for relieving respiratory distress and improving life quality in patients with malignant airway obstruction, additional radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be considered