Palliative tracheal stenting in invasive papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Malignant tracheal stenosis presents a considerable challenge to the head and neck surgeon. The use of intraluminal stents has been previously described, but current literature notes a paucity of supportive physiological data. We describe the use of a self-expanding metallic Wallstent in the palliation of a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma. This is accompanied by significant improvement in quantitative pulmonary function.