[A specific tracheobronchial endoprosthesis]

A tracheobronchial stent specifically designed for the treatment of main airway external compression is presented. The stent is made of moulded silicone. Its outside surface bears regularly located studs to prevent displacement. The first results are encouraging: 154 stunts have been placed in 86 patients. They were well tolerated and complications were rare. Migration occurred on 15 occasions; in 7 cases a poorly designed early prototype had been used. Obstruction was noted in 5 cases without major problems. Granulomas were found in 28 cases and were treated by endoscopic resection. At the time of writing, the mean follow-up period is 3 months and the longest is 22 months.