Summary of key points to consider when evaluating stent placement in specific clinical scenarios
| Malignant central airway obstruction | In exclusively intrinsic airway disease, consider stenting only if acceptable airway patency cannot be achieved with debulking alone |
| Fibrosing mediastinitis | Limited published data Due to the nature of the pathology, heightened concerns for mucosal bleeding, migration and excessive granulation tissue formation |
| Excessive dynamic airway collapse and tracheobronchomalacia | Essential to treat any co-existing underlying disease, such as COPD Increased risk of short-term and long-term complications |
| Tracheo-oesophageal fistula and dual stenting | A careful assessment of fistula aetiology, fistula size, history of prior treatments, local anatomy, overall prognosis and goal(s) of care is needed prior to stent consideration |
| Distal airway stenting | The physiological benefit remains in question |
| Subglottic stenosis | Surgery is the definitive treatment Bronchoscopic intervention of any kind should only be considered in patients who are unfit for surgery, decline surgery or in an emergency airway obstruction (for rapid airway stabilisation, this should be followed by a surgical evaluation) |
| Relapsing polychondritis | Medical management is the cornerstone of treatment Due to the inflammatory nature of the disease, airway stenting should be approached with caution |