Repositioning of migrated self-expanding metallic tracheobronchial stent: predictors of a successful maneuver and its impact on survival

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial stents that are used to treat airway obstruction may migrate over time. These stents can be repositioned. However, not much has been reported about this technique. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) and attempted to determine—(I) factors related to successful stent repositioning; (II) determine its impact on survival. METHODS: Demographic, medical history, and stent-related procedure factors were extracted from the electronic health record. Primary outcomes were bronchial stent repositioning success and survival (days until death). As validation of successful repositioning, the durations of successful and failed repositioning procedures were compared using an independent t-test. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients underwent stent repositioning, of which, 55.3% (n=42) were successfully repositioned. The probability of success in repositioning procedures was accounted for by patient sex, stent location, and stent diameter. Females were more likely to have a successful repositioning compared to males. Stent repositioning in the LMS was more likely to be successful and stents larger in diameter tended to increase the likelihood of successful repositioning. Long-term survival was higher for those who had a successful procedure. Stent location and disease subgroups predicted average length of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Repositioning of migrated stents can be successfully performed regardless of the reasons for initial placement, duration of stenting and degree of original obstruction. Larger stents are easier to reposition and so were stents in the left main stem (LMS) airway. A successful stent repositioning maneuver improved long-term survival although did not have any impact survival in the immediate post-procedural period.