Abstract
Background. Indication of airway stent for benign airway stenosis is controversial, however, majority of the opinions are negative because of its unknown long term-durability and inflammatory response of the airway wall with granulation. Method. Twelve patients with benign airway stenosis were treated with surgical resection/reconstruction (n=6), laser ablation (n=3) or airway stent (n=3). Results. After stent insertion, granulation and stricture were seen in all patients, whereas surgically treated patients recovered uneventfully. Discussion. Based on those experience regarding the treatments of benign airway stenosis, we suggest that the application of airway stent either silicone or metallic prosthesis should be carefully considered depending on individual bases. If the stricture includes less than 2 rings of tracheal cartilage, laser ablation or balloon bougie can be applied. Surgical resection and reconstruction should be selected as a first line treatment if the stenosis involves 3 or more tracheal cartilages. Airway stents or other interventional treatment should be considered if the surgical resection can not be considered because the length of the stenosis is too long for safe airway reconstruction or the patients are not tolerable for surgery. (JJSRE. 2006;28:615-619)
