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Benign tracheobronchial stenoses: changes in short-term and long-term pulmonary function testing after expandable
Michael B Gotway1, Jeffrey A Golden, Jeanne M LaBerge
1Department of Radiology and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. michael.gotway@radiology, ucsf.edu
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|September 10, 2002
Summary
Tracheobronchial stent placement offers immediate airflow improvement for benign airway stenoses. While long-term function may decline, repeat procedures can further enhance pulmonary function.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Interventional Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Benign tracheobronchial stenoses compromise airflow.
- Tracheobronchial stent placement is a therapeutic option for airway obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of tracheobronchial stent placement on airflow dynamics in patients with benign airway stenoses.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function tests (FEV(1), FEF(25-75), FVC, PF) were assessed before, immediately after, and long-term after stent placement in 22 patients.
- Patients with various causes of stenosis, including post-transplant bronchomalacia and post-intubation strictures, were included.
- Statistical analysis used paired two-tailed tests to compare pre- and post-stent measurements.
Main Results:
- Significant immediate improvements in mean FEV(1), FEF(25-75), and PF rate were observed post-stent placement (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.009).
- Long-term follow-up (mean 15 months) showed a decline in these parameters, despite subjective patient improvement.
- In transplant recipients, FEF(25-75) and PF rate remained significantly improved long-term (p = 0.045, p = 0.027).
- Repeated stent placements in some patients led to further increases in FEV.
Conclusions:
- Tracheobronchial stent placement provides substantial immediate improvement in airflow dynamics for benign airway stenoses.
- Long-term airflow obstruction benefits may be sustained, particularly with repeat interventions.
- Further stent placements can potentially enhance pulmonary function over time.