Stenting versus Balloon Dilatation in Patients with Tracheal Benign Stenosis: The STROBE Trial

Marchioni A, Andrisani D, Tonelli R, Andreani A, Cappiello GF, Ori M, Gozzi F, Bruzzi G, Nani C, Feminò R, Manicardi L, Baroncini S, Mattioli F, Fermi M, Fantini R, Tabbì L, Castaniere I, Presutti L, Clini E.

Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022 Feb 23;7(2):395-403. doi: 10.1002/lio2.734. PMID: 35434321; PMCID: PMC9008152.

What is the Key Question?

  • Benign tracheal stenosis (TS) can be managed with balloon dilatation or rigid bronchoscopy (including tracheal stenting). This STROBE trial compared the efficacy of the 2 techniques performed by either otolaryngologists or interventional pulmonologists.
  • This was a retrospective comparative cohort study of patients not suitable for surgery. Patients had undergone either of the TS interventions and had regular clinical reviews and endoscopic examinations up to 2 years after the initial intervention to compare efficacy (determined by symptoms or procedural measures) and adverse events.

What is the Bottom Line?

  • Stent use was associated with better success compared to balloon dilatation after 2 years, particularly in those with idiopathic stenosis, complex stenosis, or initial greater stenosis (>70%).
  • However, stent use was also associated with a significantly higher number of adverse events.

Why Read On?

  • The authors detail the characteristics of the cohort and analyses performed for treatment efficacy and adverse event outcomes.