Silicon stent placement via rigid bronchoscopy for the treatment of central airway obstruction in infants: Case series

INTRODUCTION: Rigid bronchoscopy has been proven to be an excellent tool for the diagnosis and management of several causes of central airway obstruction (CAO). The invasive treatment of silicone bronchobrachial stenting has been performed in children and adults with CAO, and satisfying results were obtained in previous studies. However, there are few reports on infants with central airway obstruction treated with stenting via rigid bronchoscopy. This technique remains a challenge to pediatric thoracic surgeons, pediatric interventional pulmonologists, and otolaryngologists who struggle to treat airway obstruction disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: Four patients were presented to our hospital with complaints of dyspnea for a period of time after their birth DIAGNOSIS: Three patients were diagnosed as tracheobronchomalacia, and tracheoesophageal fistula. INTERVENTIONS: Four patients were treated with silicone stenting through rigid bronchoscopy. OUTCOMES: Silicon stent was adequate for improving the obstruction of the tracheal tract. All the patients were followed-up longer than 6 months. Three patients could breathe normally; the stent migrated in only 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Invasive silicone tracheobronchial stenting via rigid bronchoscopy is a viable option for infants with CAO. Choosing an appropriate size is a critical factor for success of stenting according to our experience.