Abstract
PURPOSE: We analysed the role of modified Gianturco self-expandable stents in the treatment of
tracheobronchial stenosis in 13 patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We inserted modified Gianturco self-expandable stents under the fluoroscopic and
bronchoscopic guidance. There were stenosis in the trachea(n--2), the right main bronchus(n=2), and the left
main bronchus(n=9). The causes of the stenosis were endobronchial tuberculosis(n=10), intubation granuloma
(n=l), restenosis after surgical reconstruction(n=2).
RESULTS: Dyspnea or wheezing was improved within 1 or 2 days following the procedure. There were 32%
and 22% respective increase in average FEV1 and FVC. Lung perfusion scan showed 9.6% increase of
perfusion in the involved lung. No complications related to the procedure were encountered. During follow-up
period of up to 31 months, 2 patients showed tracheal or bronchial restenosis, at 3 and 6 months,
retrospectively. There was a distal migration of the stents in one case.
CONCLUSION: During the follow up period after stent insertion, improvement of the obstructive changes and
dyspnea persisted in 10 out of 13 patients. The modified Gianturco self-expandable metallic stents may be a
good choice for the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis, either as a primary treatment, or when the
reconstruction failed.