Outcomes of Self-Expandable Metallic Stents for Airway Obstruction
Author Information
Author(s): Chung Fu-Tsai, Chen Hao-Cheng, Chou Chun-Liang, Yu Chih-Teng, Kuo Chih-Hsi, Kuo Han-Pin, Lin Shu-Min
Primary Institution: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University
Hypothesis
What are the long-term outcomes and complications of self-expandable metallic stents in patients with central airway obstruction?
Conclusion
Patients with benign conditions had worse lung function and higher complication rates after SEMS implantation compared to those with malignant conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with benign conditions had a higher overall complication rate (42.2%) compared to those with malignancy (21.1%).
- Symptoms improved more in benign patients (76.7%) than in malignant patients (51.6%).
- The mean age of benign patients was older (63.9 years) compared to malignant patients (58 years).
Takeaway
Doctors used special stents to help people breathe better when their airways were blocked, and they found that those with non-cancer issues had more problems than those with cancer.
Methodology
This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing outcomes of 149 patients who received 211 SEMSs.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as patients were chosen based on their ineligibility for surgery.
Limitations
The study was not controlled and most SEMSs were placed before the FDA warning in 2007.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 61.2 years, with 74.9% male participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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