Efficacy and tolerance of a new silicone stent for the treatment of benigntracheal stenosis - Preliminary results

Study objective: In inoperable patients with tracheal stenosis who are trea ted using silicone stents, stent migration occurs in 18.6% of cases. To dec rease the migration rate, we have designed a new silicone stent with narrow central and larger distal parts. This study analyzes the stability and tol erance of this new stent. Design: Preliminary prospective study conducted in two French university ho spitals, Patients: Thirteen inoperable patients with benign complex tracheal stenosi s due to intubation or tracheotomy. Interventions: Tracheal stent insertion was performed under general anesthe sia with a rigid bronchoscope. The patients were followed up clinically up to stent removal, which was planned at 18 months. Results: Stent insertion or removal was very simple and did not differ from other silicone stents, No migration occurred after a mean follow-up of 22. 8 months. Minimal granuloma formation occurred in only one patient (7.7%). Sputum retention remained similar to that with other silicone stents and co uld be improved by a smoother internal wall. Stents have been removed in se ven patients after a mean duration of 19.6 months, with a complete stenosis cure in four cases. Conclusion: This new stent combines the excellent stability of the metallic stents and the tolerance and easy removal of straight silicone stents. Thi s allows a prolonged use in order to obtain curative action.