# Treatment of Malignant Tracheobronchial Stenosis with Y-Shaped Stent: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that Y-shaped stents are a safe and effective way to relieve breathing difficulties in patients with malignant airway blockages.

## Contribution

The study provides multicenter evidence on the use of Y-shaped stents for malignant tracheobronchial stenosis.

## Key findings

- Successful stent placement was achieved in 95% of cases with no intraoperative mortality.
- Dyspnoea scores significantly decreased after the procedure (p < 0.05).
- Most patients (78.1%) were able to receive cancer treatment after stent placement.

## Abstract

Objectives: Central airway obstruction (CAO) caused by malignant tumors may necessitate combined and prompt treatment. The aim is to recanalize and stabilize the airways as palliation. We present our multicentric experience managing malignant CAO through the placement of Y-shaped self-expanding covered metallic or silicone trachea-bronchial stents. Methods: This retrospective study includes patients who underwent placement of Y-shaped stents from 2002 to 2024 across six different centers in Italy and Great Britain. We evaluated outcomes related to the feasibility and safety of the procedure, as well as the palliation of dyspnoea on the Modified Borg Scale of Dyspnoea. Results: Eighty patients (56.2% female) with a mean age of 64.8 ± 9.6 years were included in the study. Successful placement was achieved in 76 (95%) cases, with no cases of intraoperative mortality. The mean procedure time was 36.64 ± 15.7 min. The complications noted included: 7 (8.7%) cases of periprocedural clinical complications and 7 (8.7%) patients requiring intensive care unit admittance after the procedure. Fifty patients (78.1%) received cancer treatment following the procedure. The mean dyspnoea score on the Borg scale decreased from 7.78 ± 0.98 to 4.02 ± 2.2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The placement of metal or silicone Y-shaped stents is a feasible and safe procedure for the palliative treatment of dyspnoea in patients with malignant stenosis of the trachea and main bronchi. Stabilizing the airway also enables these patients to access cancer treatments.