Stenting for airway obstruction in the carinal region

Background. Recent progress on airway stents has provided sufficient airway patency for patients with airway obstruction; however, when the stenosis exists in the carinal zone, establishing an excellent airway condition is still troublesome because of the anatomic structure.

Methods. We treated 15 patients with severe tracheobronchial stenosis involving a carinal bifurcation region, using several types of stenting devices (long T-tube, T-Y tube, wire reinforced Y tracheostomal tube, Freitag Dynamic stent [Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany], and covered metallic stent). All patients had advanced inoperable tumors (lung cancer, n = 6; esophageal cancer, n = 3; thyroid cancer, n = 3; mediastinal tumor, n = 3).

Results. All but 2 patients had immediate relief of respiratory symptoms. One patient died of respiratory failure caused by pulmonary lymphatic spread 3 days after Dynamic stent insertion. In 1 patient with severe left main bronchial stenosis due to lung cancer, effective palliation was not achieved by insertion of a covered metallic stent because of its insufficient expansion against the stenosis. Mean survival after successful stenting was 4.3 months (range, 1 to 15 months). There were no complications directly attributable to the stents.

Conclusions. As evidenced by the clinical effectiveness, airway stenting for inoperable tumor is valuable in such patients. Choosing a stent that will fully cover the lesion and allow sufficient tolerance against compression is important to successful stenting. Benefits such as ease of phonation and stent maintenance should also be considered.     

Results of expandable metal stents for malignant esophageal obstruction in 100 patients: short-term and long-term follow-up

Background. Expandable metal stents palliate malignant dysphagia in most cases, but early complications and outcomes in long-term survivors have not been well described. This report summarizes our experience with expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia.

Methods. Over a 48-month period, 127 stents were placed in 100 patients with dysphagia from esophageal cancer (93%) or lung cancer. Most had undergone prior treatment. Dysphagia scores, duration of palliation, complications, and reintervention were evaluated.

Results. Immediate improvement in dysphagia was observed in 85% of patients with no procedure-related deaths. Dysphagia score decreased from 3.3 before stent to 2.3 (p < 0.005). Average interval to reintervention was 80 days. In 40 patients surviving more than 120 days, 31 (78%) required reintervention. Major complications occurred in 3 patients receiving poststent chemoradiation (tracheoesophageal fistula, T1 vertebral body abscess, mediastinal abscess). Other complications included unsatisfactory deployment requiring immediate removal (3 patients), migration (11 patients), pain requiring removal (2 patients), food impaction (10 patients), and tumor ingrowth (37 patients).

Conclusions. Expandable metal stents offer excellent short-term palliation of malignant dysphagia. In long-term survivors, recurrent dysphagia requiring reintervention is common. In a small subset of patients receiving chemoradiation after stent placement, major complications were observed.     

The use of self-expanding silicone stents in esophageal cancer care: optimal pre-, peri-, and postoperative care

Background  Preoperative nutritional supplementation, management of esophageal leaks, and postoperative anastomotic strictures still remain common problems in the management of esophageal cancer. Jejunal feeding tubes, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with nasogastric suction, and repeated esophageal dilations remain the most common treatments, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of removable silicone stents in (1) the preoperative nutritional optimization during neoadjuvant therapy, (2) the management of perioperative anastomotic leak, and (3) the management of postoperative anastomotic strictures. Methods  Review of our prospectively maintained esophageal database identified 15 patients who had removable self-expanding silicone stents placed in the management of one of these three management problems from July 2004 to August 2006. Results  Preoperative therapy: Five patients underwent initial stent placement in preparation for neoadjuvant therapy. Dysphagia relief was seen in 100% of patients, with optimal caloric needs taken within 24 h of placement. All patients tolerated neoadjuvant therapy without delay from dehydration or malnutrition. One stent migration was found at the time of operation, which was removed without sequelae. Perioperative therapy: Five patients developed delayed (>10 days) esophageal leaks that were managed with removable esophageal stent and percutaneous drainage (in three patients). All patients had successful exclusion of the leak on the day of the procedure with resumption of oral intake on the evening of procedure. All five healed leaks without sequelae. Postoperative therapy: Five patients developed postoperative anastomotic strictures that required dilation and placement of removable esophageal stent. The median number of dilations was 1 (range 1–2), with all stents placed for approximate 3 months duration. All patients had immediate dysphagia relief after stent placement. Conclusion  Removable esophageal stents are novel treatment option to optimize relief of symptoms and return the patients back to a more normal oral intake. Continued evaluation is needed to consider stent use as first-line therapy.     

Bougienage and balloon dilation using a conventional tracheal tube for tracheobronchial stenosis before stent placement

In order to achieve urgent restoration of the airways in tracheobronchial stenosis and to make stent placement simpler and safer, we developed a method that allows combined bougienage and balloon dilation via the use of a conventional tracheal tube. Fifteen patients with tracheobronchial stenosis underwent bougienage and balloon dilation using a tracheal tube with a cuff attached, inserted via a tracheostomy, before stent placement. The conventional tracheal tube was inserted via a tracheostomy, the cuff was expanded at the stenotic site, and the tube was fixed to the tracheostomy and left in place for a few days until sufficient dilation was achieved. This procedure was conducted on the trachea in 10 patients, the left main bronchus in three patients, and the right main bronchus in two patients. In all patients, the procedure immediately relieved the obstructive symptoms and dilated the stenosis sufficiently. Thereafter, Dumon stents were inserted in 10 patients, dynamic stents in four patients, and an expandable metallic stent in one patient. The stents were introduced easily with no other dilation procedure after a mean of 5 days from the start of the procedure. For tracheobronchial stenosis, bougienage and balloon dilation using a tracheal tube with an integral cuff via a tracheostomy is a simple and safe method for achieving both urgent relief of airway stenosis and dilation before stent placement. Received: 20 May 1999/Accepted: 17 December 1999/Online publication: 25 April 2000     

Effect of the Palmaz balloon-expandable metallic stent in the trachea of pigs.

Endoscopically placed airway stents offer a viable option in primary or adjunctive treatment of severe pediatric tracheobronchial stenoses. Optimistic clinical reports substantiate the need for experimental studies to more effectively evaluate their clinical role. Development of an animal model comparable with the pediatric airway, amenable to endoscopic instrumentation, and capable of assessing effect on growth was the purpose of this pilot project. Nine 4-week-old piglets underwent endoscopic midtracheal placement of the balloon-expandable Palmaz metallic stent. Initial expansion and stent position were verified fluoroscopically and by direct videobronchoscopy. Serial endoscopic examination and stent reexpansion were performed 2 and 4 weeks after stent insertion. Animal weight, clinical tolerance, tracheal growth, and stent integrity were observed. Tracheal inflammation was evaluated grossly and by objective histopathologic criteria. Successful endotracheal stent placement and expansion were accomplished in all piglets. One pig died of anesthesia complications less than 24 hours after stent insertion. The remaining pigs exhibited excellent clinical tolerance through experiment completion. No detrimental effect on growth was noted, and effective dilatation of the stented tracheal region was observed. Stent incorporation was evident with significant mucosal ingrowth. Inflammation in the form of nonobstructing granulation tissue was present, and no evidence of necrosis or cartilage invasion was evident. The piglet trachea appears to be an excellent model for evaluation of expandable metallic airway stents in management of congenital and acquired tracheobronchial stenoses.     

Percutaneous treatment of fistulas and stenoses after anastomosis of the uretero-digestive tract

14 ureteral stenoses and 5 fistulae following an uro-intestinal anastomosis (UIA) were managed by a transrenal percutaneous approach. The stenoses (12 uretero-ileal and 1 uretero-colic anastomoses) were dilated with an angioplasty balloon and stented for several weeks. After withdrawal of the stent, performed on 12 out of 14 patients, the dilatation was successful in 8/12 cases (66%), with a follow up of 3 to 36 months. All the fistulae were dried. In 2 cases, complete recovery was achieved after placement of a bilateral nephrostomy tube. In 2 other cases, the ureter was stented at the site of the fistula which dried without sequelae after withdrawal of the stent. In the last case (uretero-colic diversion) surgery was performed after the fistula dried for the cure of a complete stenosis associated with the fistulae. The use of percutaneous nephrostomy is highly recommended for the management of post-operative stenoses and fistulae before considering surgical correction.     

Self-expanding esophageal metallic stents in the treatment of esophageal obstruction

Esophageal obstruction from any cause is debilitating. In patients with malignant obstruction palliation to relieve pain and dysphagia is the primary goal. Conventional endoluminal prostheses allow variable palliation. Covered expandable metallic stents with an 18-mm lumen allow improved deglutition. From December 1994 through December 1998, 59 patients underwent placement of self-expanding silicone-covered esophageal stents for esophageal obstruction. There were 36 men and 23 women ranging in age from 41 to 94. All patients underwent esophageal dilation using a flexible gastroscope and Savary bougies. After dilation placement of the stent was performed under fluoroscopic control. Follow-up was complete in all patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. There was one postoperative death (bronchopulmonary fistula), one migration of the stent requiring removal, and one recurrent obstruction. The remaining stents were well tolerated even in the cervical region (four patients). All patients returned to a diet of solid foods. We conclude that covered self-expanding esophageal metallic stents are technically simple and safe to insert and appear to provide durable excellent palliation of esophageal obstruction due to either benign or malignant conditions.     

全覆膜食管金属支架治疗高位食管疾病

目的评价全覆膜食管金属支架在高位食管狭窄和瘘以及术后吻合口狭窄和瘘治疗中的有效性和安全性。方法复旦大学附属中山医院内镜中心2005年5月至2013年7月间,应用16mm全覆膜食管金属支架对84例高位食管狭窄和瘘以及术后吻合口狭窄和瘘进行治疗。其中食管癌性狭窄31例,食管外压性狭窄2例,食管癌放疗后狭窄10例,食管癌术后复发致狭窄4例,吻合口狭窄27例,内镜黏膜下剥离术后食管狭窄1例,食管．气管瘘7例,食管一纵隔瘘1例,食管癌术后残胃瘘1例。狭窄或瘘口上缘距中切牙距离15～20cm者48例,大于20cm者36例。结果84例患者共置入100枚支架,术中无出血和穿孔等并发症发生。支架置入术后患者吞咽困难、呛咳症状均迅速缓解。术后并发症发生率为6．0％（5／84）,其中严重胸痛2例,经止痛药物缓解;气管塌陷1例,予气管切开术;支架移位2例,内镜下应用异物钳对支架位置进行调整。76例（90．5％）患者获得完整随访,5-3％（4／76）的患者出现再狭窄,2．6％（2／76）新发食管．气管瘘;其中5例接受再次内镜下置入全覆膜金属支架术并获成功,另1例经沙氏探条扩张及氩离子凝固术治疗效果满意。结论全覆膜食管金属支架治疗高位食管狭窄和瘘以及术后吻合口狭窄和瘘安全、有效,可考虑作为临床首选。     

Comparison of plastic prostheses and self-expandable metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis

OBJECTIVE: We compared the efficacy of plastic prostheses and self-expandable metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and/or fistula. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects were 31 patients with esophageal cancer, 4 with esophagotracheal fistula, and 1 with esophageal stenosis. A plastic prosthesis was inserted in 15 patients (group A) and a self-expandable metallic stent in 21 patients (group B). We evaluated food ingestion improvement, effectiveness, complications, mean survival, food ingestion duration, the percentage of food ingestion capability in total survival time, and inhospital mortality. RESULTS: No differences were seen in food intake improvement or in the effectiveness between groups, whereas fatal complications were higher in Group A. No significant differences were seen in mean survival, food ingestion duration, percentage of food ingestion capability, or inhospital mortality between groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a self-expandable metallic stent was safer than a plastic prosthesis because of fewer serious complications such as bleeding, and recommended the use of metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and/or fistula.     

Double stenting with silicone and metallic stents for malignant airway stenosis

For severe malignant airway stenosis, there are several types of commercially available airway stents, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. We herein describe the safety and efficacy of combination stenting with silicone and metallic stents for patients with extended malignant airway stenosis. Seven patients with malignant airway stenosis were treated via combination stenting with a silicone stent and a metallic stent for extended airway stenosis from the central to peripheral airways. Five patients were diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer, two of whom had tracheoesophageal fistulas. One patient had adenoid cystic carcinoma, and another had mediastinal tumor. There were no specific complications related to the double stenting. Combination stenting with silicone and metallic stents proved to be a safe option for patients with severe, extended, and complicated malignant airway stenosis.     

Airway Simulation to Guide Stent Placement for Tracheobronchial Obstruction in Lung Cancer

Background. To effectively palliate large airway obstruction in advanced unresectable lung cancer (stage IIIB or IV), we developed an airway imaging technique to guide selective endobronchial metallic stent placement.

Methods. Fourteen consecutive patients with severe dyspnea (American Thoracic Society grade 4) had a combination of fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest roentgenography, computed tomographic scanning, helical computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction, and intraluminal bronchography with selective bronchial guidewire placement under fluoroscopy to visually reconstruct and simulate the abnormal airway before and during stent placement. Wallstent or Gianturco intraluminal stents were used alone or in combination (up to five stents) to establish patency of the distal trachea and the major bronchi.

Results. All 14 patients had successful deployment with initial relief of airway stenosis (>75% predicted diameter). No procedural complications were noted. However, technical problems included stent foreshortening and imprecision of placement, misinterpretation of bronchography (mucous versus tumor), and airway maintenance during manipulation. Length of stay attributable to the procedure averaged 4 days. Stent placement initially improved the dyspnea score in 7 of 14 patients. Five of 14 died in less than 1 month, with the remainder alive at up to 8 months’ follow-up. Of those surviving more than 1 month, the Karnofsky score improved in 4 and was unchanged in 5, with 2 dependent (Karnofsky score <50), 3 functional (Karnofsky score, 50 to 70), and 4 active (Karnofsky score >70).

Conclusions. A protocol combining helical computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction, bronchography, and bronchoscopy allows accurate assessment of malignant airway obstruction to facilitate intralumenal stent placement for relief of stenosis. Patient selection to favor effective palliation and cost effectiveness has yet to be defined.     

The efficacy of self-expanding metal stents for palliation of malignant esophageal strictures and fistulas.

OBJECTIVES: Esophageal strictures and esophagorespiratory fistulas are complications of malignant esophageal tumors, which are difficult to manage. The efficacy of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for palliation of malignant esophageal strictures and fistulas was investigated prospectively. METHODS: Forty-three SEMS were inserted in 41 patients with malignant esophageal stricture or fistula. Our series included 32 men and nine women, of whom median age was 61.4 years. Twenty nine stents were inserted for stricture, ten for esophago-tracheal fistula, and four esophago-pleural fistula. Stents were inserted endoscopically under fluoroscopic control. RESULTS: SEMS implantation was technically successful in 40 of 41 patients. A second stenting was needed in two patients. Median dysphagia score improved from 3.4 to 1.3. The covered SEMS was succesful in completely sealing 85.7% of the fistulas. Complication occurred in 11 (26.8%) patients. Especially in the case of tumor stenoses in the distal esophagus, complication rate was higher (44%). In total six patients (14.6%) died after stent placement during early postoperative period. Procedure-related mortality was 4.8% (2/41). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that treatment of malignant esophageal obstructions, including esophagorespiratory fistulas, with SEMS is an alternative palliative procedure. Furthermore SEMS implantation seems more safe in the case of tumor stenoses locating in the middle esophagus.     

Anesthetic management for placement of tracheobronchial stents in patients with airway stenosis

We report the anesthetic management for stents placement in patients with tracheobronchial stenosis. The subjects were 6 patients with lung cancer and one patient with tracheal invasion of esophageal cancer. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium, and maintained with propofol and vecuronium. After intubation, tracheostomy was performed. The patients were kept apnic during insertion of stents. Three patients had dynamic stents inserted from tracheostomy site and one orally. Three patients had Dumon stents inserted orally, but the procedure in one patient was cancelled because her stent could not be placed at appropriate position. We recommend the anesthetic management through the tracheostomy site for the placement of Dumon tubes or dynamic stents.     

Tracheobronchial stents for management of airway stenosis

Airway prostheses provide an excellent method for providing relief for patients with malignant or benign stenoses. Two types of prostheses are currently available: rigid silicone stents and metallic expandable stents. Silicone stents have been proven to be well tolerated, nonreactive, and easily removable during several decades of clinical application. However, they impair the drainage of sputum because of interrupted ciliary movement. Subsequently, retained secretions within the stent lumen can be obstructive. In addition, dislodgment frequently occurs because of their rigidity. The advantages of metallic expandable stents are as follows: 1) they can be inserted under local anesthesia with relative simplicity: 2) they do not impair the drainage of sputum: 3) ventilation is usually possible even if the metallic mesh stent covers another bronchus: and 4) their flexibility allows them to bend and conform better than rigid stents to tortuous airway stenoses. The disadvantages of metallic stents are: 1) tumor or granulation ingrowth can occur because of their porosity: 2) removal is difficult: and 3) there is limited experience with their use because they have only recently been employed for airway stenoses.     

One-lung ventilation in a patient with stenting for tracheobronchial stenosis caused by esophageal cancer

We have provided general anesthesia for a 53-year-old man scheduled to undergo lymph node removal for right mediastinal lymph node metastases caused by esophageal cancer. One year prior, acute respiratory failure occurred because of stenosis of the carinal bifurcation resulting from advanced esophageal cancer with tracheal invasion. The patient underwent placement of tracheobronchial stents (Spiral Z Stent) in two locations (left main bronchus and trachea/right main bronchus), followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the present case, after an 8.5-mm-ID tracheal tube was placed under bronchoscopic guidance, a 7.0 Fr. bronchial blocker (Arndt Endobronchial Blocker; Cook, Bloomington, IN, USA) was carefully inserted into the stent in the right main bronchus. Next, 3 ml air was injected into the blocker cuff, and left-sided one-lung ventilation was performed. After surgery was completed, the bronchial blocker was removed under bronchoscopic guidance. We confirmed there was no tracheobronchial injury nor stent displacement or deformation, then removed the tracheal tube. Even in patients with tracheobronchial stent placement, one-lung ventilation can be safely and reliably performed by selecting an appropriate bronchial blocker, along with careful insertion into the stent and frequent checking of the blocker position.     

直肠支架在妇科肿瘤术后复发并梗阻中的应用

目的 初步评价直肠支架姑息性治疗妇科肿瘤术后复发并直肠梗阻的有效性。方法妇科肿瘤术后复发并直肠梗阻病例4例，卵巢癌和宫颈癌各2例，其中1例同时伴有直肠阴道瘘，在X线监视下经肛门放置自膨式覆膜镍钛合金金属支架。结果4例病例放置支架后，肠梗阻症状均即刻获得缓解，瘘道基本闭合，生活质量得到提高。结论经肛门放置自膨式覆膜金属支架，是姑息性治疗妇科肿瘤术后复发并直肠梗阻和直肠瘘的有效方法。     

Outpatient treatment of arterial inflow stenoses of dysfunctional hemodialysis access fistulas by retrograde venous access puncture and catheterization

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of endovascular treatment of inflow stenoses in arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) through retrograde venous access catheterization. METHODS: We included all 22 dysfunctional AVFs with arterial inflow stenoses at access imaging between January 2002 and September 2006. Following retrograde venous access puncture, an interventional radiologist intended to cross the arteriovenous anastomosis and advance a catheter into the aortic arch. After depiction of the complete vascular access tree, angioplasty and/or stent placement was aimed for stenoses with a >50% luminal diameter reduction at digital subtraction angiography (DSA). RESULTS: In one radiocephalic AVF, a catheter could not be positioned into the aortic arch after retrograde venous access puncture. DSA depicted 28 inflow stenoses in the remaining 21 patients (11 radiocephalic AVFs and 10 brachiocephalic AVFs). Clinical improvement was obtained in 18 out of 19 patients with a technically successful intervention (<30% residual stenosis after angioplasty or stent placement). Following endovascular therapy, access flow of 12 patients with a low flow access improved from 431 +/- 150 ml/min to 818 +/- 233 ml/min, and four patients with steal symptoms became symptom free. One nonmaturing fistula could be salvaged by angioplasty, and access cannulation problems were solved in another patient following angioplasty. Brachial artery stent placement did not reduce steal symptoms in one case, whereas two patients, in whom stent placement was not thought desirable, showed a >30% residual arterial stenosis after angioplasty. No complications were observed at DSA and endovascular intervention. CONCLUSION: Retrograde venous access puncture and catheterization, as an alternative to a potentially more hazardous brachial artery or more invasive femoral artery approach, should be considered for the visualization of the arterial inflow and endovascular treatment of inflow stenoses.     

晚期食管癌放疗术后食管胸腔瘘形成的介入治疗

目的探索经鼻、食管引流及覆膜支架植入术治疗食管胸腔瘘的可行性及临床价值。方法7例[男5例,女2例,年龄46~75岁,平均(56±6.7)岁]放疗术后食管胸腔瘘患者,采用5F猪尾巴多侧孔导管经鼻、食管及瘘口行胸腔引流,并利用食管覆膜内支架封堵食管瘘口。术后经引流导管定时冲洗、闭室引流脓腔,定期复查食管及脓腔造影。结果所有患者引流导管及堵瘘支架植入均获得成功;持续引流第2天,患者精神状况明显好转,体温开始下降,其后引流液逐渐减少。引流、冲洗脓腔持续12~22 d,平均15 d;术后多次复查食管造影未发现瘘口复发,拔管前引流管造影提示脓腔明显变小或闭塞、液气胸得到明显控制,拔管后食管造影示瘘口封堵满意、支架完全复张,未见明显移位、狭窄等征象。结论经鼻、食管引流及覆膜支架植入术治疗食管癌放疗术后胸腔瘘是可行的、安全的,疗效肯定。     

应用带膜支架治疗晚期食管癌贲门癌

目的　探讨置入国产CZES型自膨式带膜支架 ,结合其它疗法综合施治重症晚期食管癌贲门癌病人的疗效。方法　采用内镜法、介入法、混合法、手术法 ,为晚期食管癌、贲门癌、食管瘘、吻合口漏、吻合口癌复发或吻合口狭窄病人 15 1例 ,共置入 15 9个支架 ,继而 132例实施放、化疗和中药综合施治。结果　疗效满意 ,明显改善了病人生活质量 ,体质增强 ,进食困难分级由 3.12级降至 1.0 5级 ,肿瘤缩小 2 2～ 3 4cm ,体重增加 1～ 6kg ,置入支架后生存 1 5～ 36个月。结论　置入支架结合综合施治行之有效 ,操作简便、安全可靠 ,适用于临床 ,易于推广     

Efficacy and risk profile of self-expandable stents in the management of pediatric esophageal pathology

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risk profile of esophageal stents in the management of complicated pediatric esophageal disease.MethodsAn IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective review was performed on all pediatric patients (n = 13) who underwent esophageal stent placement (2005–2017). Demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were analyzed (p < 0.05).ResultsForty-one stents were placed due to recalcitrant strictures (n = 36), perforations (n = 2), and/or fistulae (n = 3). Median age at initial stent placement was 23.8 months (range, 50 days to 16 years), and median stent duration was 36 days (range, 3–335). The recurrence rate for strictures after initial stent removal was 100%. Four (31%) children subsequently underwent definitive operative repair. There were 5 deaths, including 2 related to stent placement. Seventy-one percent of stents were associated with an adverse event, most commonly intraluminal migration (56%). Younger children experienced an increased risk for airway compression and retching (p = 0.010).ConclusionThese data suggest that stents are associated with high complication rates and are not effective as definitive therapy for recalcitrant strictures in children. Although there may be a temporizing role for stents in selected patients, further refinements in stent technologies are needed to help manage this difficult patient population.Level of evidenceLevel IV