The use of expandable metal stents for large airway obstruction in older patients.
OBJECTIVE
To review the indications, management, and outcome of 30 older patients who had expandable metal stents inserted for large airway obstruction.


METHODS
Information was collected retrospectively from case notes about presentation, radiographic appearances, pulmonary function, including arterial oxygen tension, and histology. Survival data were collected by reviewing hospital or General Practice records.


METHODS
Spirometry, peak expiratory flow rate, and blood gases were recorded before and after stent insertion.


RESULTS
There was a significant improvement in the patient's mean forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1) and mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The arterial oxygen tension (pO2) increased from 8.6 Kpa to 10.6 Kpa. The mean length of survival for the whole group was just under 5 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Airway stenting for obstruction provides palliative and functional benefits in these severely disabled patients and a consequent improvement in quality of remaining life.
Jack
C I
CI
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
Lye
M
M
Wilson
G
G
Hind
C R
CR
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents
D008670:Metals