Is stent insertion via flexible bronchoscopy a feasible alternative to surgery in inoperable thyroid related tracheobronchial stenosis?

The use of endobronchial stents in the treatment of tumour related tracheobronchial stenosis has been well described. While many forms of stent exist, their use has invariably been described in the context of rigid bronchoscopy and general anaesthesia. Few reports exist on the use of endobronchial stents for the treatment of thyroid goitre related stenosis.Our objective was to retrospectively analyse the use of self expanding metal stent (SEMS) insertion for thyroid related tracheobronchial stenosis under sedation with flexible bronchoscopy in the treatment of this condition. Patient charts were reviewed on all patients who had stent insertion in our unit since 1999-2005. We analysed the indication for stenting, pathology, stent size and location and detail any complications of therapy. Particular attention was paid to those with benign disease to evaluate the recommendation made by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 on the use of metal stents in benign airways disease. A total of five patients (4 female, 1 male) who were too unfit for surgery had stent insertion for thyroid related tracheobronchial stenosis over this period. All patients experienced complications which became prolonged and recurrent in those with benign disease who survived longer. We conclude that SEMS insertion via flexible bronchoscopy is not appropriate for the treatment of benign thyroid goitre related tracheobronchial stenosis until all other interventions have been exhaustively explored.