[Use of silicone stents for tracheobronchial stenosis due to tumors]

Six cases with tracheobronchial stenosis due to tumors were treated by Dumon stent (n = 3) or Dynamic stent (n = 3). Before placing the stent, the tracheobronchus was expanded by dilatation using a balloon or bougienage. The stents were placed successfully in all cases, and the symptoms of tracheobronchial stenosis disappeared. One case treated by Dumon stent and one case treated by Dynamic stent suffered from transient pneumonia after stent placement due to difficulty in sputum drainage, and one of these cases died of tracheal occlusion due to the sputum. In conclusion, for severe tracheobronchial stenosis due to tumors, dilatation by balloon or bougienage enables the stent to be placed more easily and safety. In cases with lowered capacity for sputum drainage, it is important to exercise care so as to ensure sufficient sputum drainage after placement of the stent.