[Metal stents in the treatment of benign tracheal stenoses]

To demonstrate in a group of 26 patients with benign stenosis of the trachea the possibility to use a Palmaz stent as the method of choice.

The authors introduced since 1995 to patients with benign stenosis of the trachea 36 stents (1 Wallstent, 2 Z stents and 33 Palmaz stents). The operation was performed under general anaesthesia in an operating theatre under skiascopic and optic control. The stent was inserted along a guide. Before insertion of the stent they dilated the stenosis by means of a balloon dilatation catheter.

Respiration improved in all patients within 6 days after introduction of the stent. Within 30 days after insertion of the stent none of the patients died. Two patients (7.7%) died four weeks (Palmaz stent) and 11 months (Wallstent) after insertion of the stent. Restenosis was observed in 9 patients (34.6%) 2-16 weeks after introduction of the stent. In 5 patients restenosis developed repeatedly. At present 19 patients (73%) are free from complaints for 1 month to 4 years after insertion of the stent (average 28 months). 5 patients (19%) had a tracheostomy and insertion of the stent in these patients did not produce so far the anticipated result.

The authors assume that the use of Palmaz stent is in patients with benign stenosis of the trachea in indicated cases the method of choice.