Central airway obstruction: benign strictures, tracheobronchomalacia and malignancy-related

The purpose of this article is to provide an update on methods for palliating symptoms in patients suffering from histologically benign and malignant central airway obstruction. We review the published literature within the last decade on post intubation, post tracheostomy, tuberculosis-and transplant-related airway strictures, tracheobronchomalacia and malignant airway obstruction. We review terminology, classification systems and parameters that impact treatment decisions. The focus is on how airway stent insertion fits into the best algorithm of care. Several case series and cohort studies demonstrate that airway stents improve dyspnea, lung function, and quality of life in patients with airway obstruction. Airway stenting is, however, associated with high rates of adverse events and should only be used when curative open surgical interventions are not feasible or are contraindicated.

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