Multiple Fistulas and Tracheobronchial Stenoses Require Extensive Stenting of the Central Airways and Esophagus in Squamous-Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

We report here on two cases of double airway and esophageal stenting in patients with multiple esophagotracheal fistulas and stenoses of the airways and esophagus due to squamous-cell carcinoma. Dumon stents and a Strecker device were used for tracheobronchial stenting. Covered Gianturco Z-stents were implanted into the esophagus. In one case, extrinsic compression of the trachea and tumor progression required recanalization by Nd:YAG laser. Clinical improvement led to discharge of the patients within two weeks after the procedure.

The results show that simultaneous implantation of stents in the central airways and covered Gianturco Z-stents in the esophagus is an effective therapeutic strategy in patients with tracheal and esophageal obstructions and esophagorespiratory fistulas. Further systematic studies evaluating double stenting are warranted.