Central airway stenting in oncology

Introduction. Malignant central airway obstruction and malignant tracheoesophageal fistula in the context of tumor development are potentially life-threatening conditions which usually require immediate intervention. Airway stenting is one of the safest and most effective methods of airway patency restoration in patients with malignant obstruction of the central airways and restoration of continuity in patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistula.

Aim. To evaluate the significance of self-expandable metal stents in palliative treatment of patients with malignant central airway obstruction and malignant tracheoesophageal fistula.

Materials and methods. Between 2017 and 2021 at the N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 55 patients were observed and treated and underwent trachea stenting per the results of bronchoscopy in combination with esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The 1st group included 25 patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas, the 2nd group included 30 patients with malignant central airway obstruction.

Results. In the 1^st group, stenting was successful in 25 (100 %) cases which allowed to adequately seal the fistula. Stent migration was observed in 1 (4 %) patient with tracheoesophageal fistula in the context of stenosing cancer of the thoracic esophagus. In the 2^nd group, stenting was successful in 30 (100 %) cases. Stent migration was not observed in this patient group. In both groups, there were no complications after stent implantation. Installation of tracheal stent allowed to improve patients’ quality of life and provide a possibility for successful special treatment through low-trauma manipulation.

Conclusion. According to the obtained data, endoscopic trachea stenting is the most important method of palliative treatment of tumor-related trachea lesions with development of tracheoesophageal fistulas, malignant central airway obstructions and associated sub- and decompensated pulmonary insufficiency.