Abstract：Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of metallic stent for malignant airway obstruction. Methods: Forty patients with airway obstruction and dyspnea caused by malignant carcinoma underwent metallic stents placement. Twenty-three patients underwent additional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Results: Stenosis of 32 patients were located in the trachea, 33 metallic stents were placed. Stenosis of 8 patients were located in the inferior segment or bifurcation of trachea, Y-shaped metallic stents was placed in each of these patients. The stents expanded sufficiently in 28 patients after immediate placement, and in other 12 patients, stents expanded about 40% to 80%. All stents expanded sufficiently after a week and did not have displacement. The stent disruption happened in 4 patients after 2～4 months of placement, they underwent replacement of stent again. The survial time of 17 patients without any additional therapy was 2～6 months. For the 23 patients who had chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the life span was obviously extended as long as 6～15 months. Single-factor survival analysis of overall survival showed that there was statistical significance between the two groups(P=0.002). Conclusion: Metallic stents are useful for relieving respiratory distress and improving life quality in patients with malignant airway obstruction, additional chemotherapy and radiotherapy can further lengthen existence.
2011, Vol. 22 
