[Successful treatment of benign tracheal stenosis with a silicone stent (Polyflex-Stent) over 5 years]

Inoperable, functional relevant stenoses of the airways can be effectively treated short-termed and medium-termed by means of bronchoscopic stenting occasionally, silicone stents cause problems after long-term periods, such as migration and retention of bronchial secretions. Metallic stents can lead to obstructing granulomas or even bronchial wall perforation. As regards long-term treatment with airway stents over several years, there is little experience and no uniform recommendations are known. We report on a 76-year old female patient with a severe benign subglottic tracheostenosis after tracheostomy who was successfully treated by means of bronchoscopic dilatation and stenting with a silicone stent (POLYFLEX stent). POLYFLEX Stent is a self-expanding silicone stent with an encapsulated monofilament network made of polyester. The network is completely covered by a silicone layer with a smooth inner surface (protecting against incrustation) and a structured outer surface of the stent (protecting against migration). The ends of the monofilaments were provided with a special protection to avoid tissue granulation and to yield x-ray contrast. During a follow-up of almost 5 years the stent is well tolerated and there is no restenosis. Complications such as migration, obstructing secretions and obstructing granulomas did not occur. A slight bronchial hypersecretion presented no problem under regular inhalation therapy with isotonic NaCl solution. 21 and 56 months after stenting there were two episodes of minor haemoptysis. There was no demonstrable source of haemorrhage by bronchoscopy. After 56 months, biopsy at the distal opening of the stent showed a squamous cell metaplasia, but no granulation tissue. Microbiological analysis of bronchial secretions revealed an increasing, but clinically silent colonisation with potentially pathogenic microorganisms.