Evaluating the Use of Metallic Stents for Airway Obstruction
Author Information
Author(s): Chan Andrew L, Juarez Maya M, Allen Roblee P, Albertson Timothy E
Primary Institution: University of California, Davis Medical School
Hypothesis
Do airway metallic stents for benign lesions confer too costly a benefit?
Conclusion
Ill patients with inoperable lesions may be considered for treatment with self-expanding metallic airway stents.
Supporting Evidence
- 83% of patients showed immediate symptomatic improvement after stent placement.
- 9% of patients experienced reversible complications within 24 hours.
- 77% of patients had late complications, with 37% being clinically significant.
Takeaway
Doctors used special metal tubes to help patients breathe better, and most felt better quickly, but some had problems later.
Methodology
A 10-year retrospective review of patients who underwent self-expanding metallic stent placement for benign airway obstruction.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of patients who were not surgical candidates.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and is based on a single tertiary referral center's experience.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 59.5 years, with 17 females and 88% having significant medical comorbidities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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