Comparison of Surgery and Stent Application in the Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis

Introduction Tracheal stenosis is a pathology that is gradually increasing and requires intervention. Surgical treatment has been used as the gold standard for years, but it is difficult to decide on surgery in patients with comorbidities and high surgical risk. We aimed to evaluate the data of both treatment methods applied in our center. Materials And Methods Our study was designed as retrospective and observational. The data of 61 patients who underwent resection & reconstruction or stent due to tracheal stenosis in our center between May 2002 and May 2019 were analyzed. 54 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Results 44 patients who met the inclusion criteria were studied. Both treatment methods were found to be effective in reducing the stenosis and regressing the complaints. The average age in the stent group was higher than in the surgery group. As the intensive care period in the intubated state increases; Severe stenosis and deterioration of cartilage integrity increased. An increase in antibiotic switching rates was observed in steroid users. Post-procedure complication rate was 22.5% in the surgery group, 53.5% in the stent group. The satisfaction score of the surgery group was higher than the stent group. Conclusion Both treatment methods are effective in improving respiratory functions and quality of life. The lesion was located higher in the surgical group and was longer in the stent group. Hospitalization times were longer in patients with severe stenosis and antibiotic changes were more frequent in patients using steroids. No statistically significant difference was found.