Computed tomography measurements for airway stent insertion in malignant airway obstruction.

Background: Metallic airway stents for malignant airway obstruction are considered safe, yet are not without complications. This study reviews the role of computed tomography (CT) airway measurements for planning stent placement in malignant airway obstruction before the actual therapeutic procedure to avoid invasive diagnostic evaluation before the stent placement and to reduce complications.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of information from a stent order database and medical records of patients receiving stents for malignant airway obstruction at a university hospital over a 12-year period.