Temporary airway stenting for giant anterior mediastinal tumor biopsy: Two case reports

INTRODUCTION: When the management of an anterior mediastinal tumor requires general anesthesia, airway narrowing and obstruction may occur secondary to muscle relaxation. PRESENTATION OF CASES: Two men (ages, 15 and 36 years) presented with a giant anterior mediastinal tumor and central airway obstruction. We used Dumon stents to effectively secure the airway in both patients. After chemotherapy, stent removal was safely performed in each case because the tumor was substantially smaller. DISCUSSION: Dumon stents effectively secured the airway. These stents were easily removed after chemotherapy without severe complications. CONCLUSION: Temporary stenting is useful in patients with a giant anterior mediastinal tumor who require general anesthesia.