Endotracheal balloon dilatation and stent implantation in benign stenoses

Background. Tracheal reconstruction is the treatment of choice In nontumoro us tracheal stenoses, but recurrences and concomitant medical conditions li mit this approach. We investigated the outcome after balloon dilatation and silicone stent implantation. Methods. Forty-two patients with inoperable tracheal stenoses underwent bal loon dilatation and afterward silicone stent implantation. Patients were di vided into two groups, in group A 24 patients received tracheal stents as a temporary treatment. In group B, definitive stenting was done in 18 patien ts with severe concomitant medical conditions that did not allow for stent removal. Results. Immediate results were satisfactory in all patients. In group A, s tents could be removed in 12 patients after a mean interval of 20 months. R estenting was not required during the following 18.9 months. Twelve patient s are still waiting for stent removal after a mean follow-up of 20 months. In group B, mean follow-up is now 48.4 months. Complications included retai ned secretions, dislocation, and granuloma formation. Conclusions. Stenting after balloon dilatation is safe and effective in ben ign tracheal stenoses. After temporary use, stents can be removed when loca l and general conditions permit. In all other patients, stenting proved ben eficial for 5 years as more definitive treatment. (Ann Thorac Surg 2001;71: 1630-4) (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.