A Case of Invasive Bronchial Stenosis Caused by Esophageal Carcinoma which was Dilated by Mesh-covered Expandable Metallic Stent

Abstract

The patient was a 48 year-old male. with an obstruction of the left main of an esophageal carcinoma. Although YAG Laser and radiation therapy had opened the left main bronchus, invasive bronchial stenosis remained, and re-obstruction from tumor growth was suspected. Since conventional expandable metallic stent (EMS) was not indicated because of tumor growth between the wires, we used an EMS covered with dacron mesh. After insertion of the mesh-covered EMS, the left main bronchus was kept open satisfactorily for 43 days. Thereafter, the patient died of aorto-tracheobronchial fistula caused by the tumor. Mesh-covered EMS might be effective for dilatation of invasive tracheo-bronchial stenosis resulting from a tumor, because it prevents tumors growing between the wires.