RESUMEN
Objective To report the use of self expanding metallic stents in treatment of benign tracheobronchial stenosis. Methods Nineteen patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis were treated with implantation of self expanding stents (Ultraflex, Microvasive). Results Stents produced immediate improvement in clinical pulmonary sign and symptoms. Pulmonary function tests in 10 patients demonstrated a mean improvement in FEV1of 45%, FVC of 38%. Following up duration ranged from 10-18 months. Complications included recurrent pneumonia in 3 patients, airway obstruction due to granuloma formation in 2 patients, and stent migration in 1 patient. They were treated successfully with antibiotic therapy, laser therapy, and stent reimplantation, respectively. Conclusion Self expanding metallic stent implantation is a feasible and effective method of treating benign tracheobronchial stenosis.