Patient-centred outcome following endoscopic management of benign central airway obstruction

To examine patient-centred outcome following endoscopic treatment of central airway stenosis in terms of days alive and out of hospital (DAOH), need for re-intervention, and complications, with reference to aetiology of disease and applied treatment methodology.

Analyses were based on data from consecutive adult patients treated endoscopically for benign central airway obstruction at Aarhus University Hospital from 2012 to 2022, with a minimum follow-up of one year. DAOH was calculated for 30 and 365 days. Complications were graded based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors for DAOH, re-intervention and complications.

82 consecutive adult patients underwent endoscopic treatment during the period of inclusion, comprising a total of 175 dilatations, 42 benign tumour resections, and 67 stent insertions. Multiple interventions and short re-intervention intervals was more likely amongst patients reporting significant preoperative dyspnoea or requiring preoperative respiratory support, as well as patients treated with endoscopic insertion of silicone stents. The overall complication rate per procedure was 11.7%, and complications were more likely to occur in patients with high age, high BMI and comorbidity. Overall DAOH during the first year after intervention was 343 days, lowest amongst patients with tracheobronchomalacia or severe airway stenosis, and in those who underwent endoscopic stent insertion.

Endoscopic treatment is a safe and viable intervention in the management of benign central airway obstruction in adults with few complications and a high overall outcome.