Management of embedded metallic stents used in the treatment of grades III and IV subglottic, and upper tracheal stenosis in adults

The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-operative complications of using balloon-expandable metallic stents in treatment of benign, major subglottic and tracheal stenosis in adult patients whom conventional therapy has failed and to demonstrate how to deal with these complications in the long run. A retrospective review of five cases; adlut patiets with benign, major subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis whom were treated with balloon expandable metallic stents at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, in the years between 2008 and 2013. Granulation tissue formed in five of the four cases and restenosis occurred. Other complications encountered were stent infection and dislodgment. The complications were managed by removing the stents surgically via a laryngofissure incision and required the placement of a Montgomery T-tube. Managing the restenosis due to granulation tissue formation around the metallic stents is best achieved by removing the embedded metallic stents surgically via open technique and then by placement of a Montgomery T-tube as a bridging option to successful decannulation. Open surgical procedures remain the mainstay treatment for advanced airway stenosis.