Interventional management of tracheobronchial strictures

Tracheobronchial balloon dilation and stent placement have been well used in the treatment of patients with benign and/or malignant diseases. Balloon dilation is the first option in the treatment of benign airway stenosis. Although balloon dilation is simple and fast, recurrence rate is high. Stent placement promptly relieves acute airway distress from malignant extraluminal and intraluminal airway obstruction. Temporary stent placement may be an alternative for benign airway strictures refractory to balloon dilation. This article reviews the indications, pre-procedure evaluation, technique, outcomes and complications of balloon dilation and stent placement with regard to benign and malignant tracheobronchial stenoses.