Endotracheal stent increased survival length in patients with invasive thymic adenocarcinoma

• Main Authors: Tatjana Adzic-Vukicevic, Aleksandra Barac, Ana Blanka-Protic, Spasoje Popovic, Zivka Uskokovic-Stefanovic, Jelena Stojsic, Aleksandra Dudvarski Ilic
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
• Series: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma; palliative care; stent; thymus; tracheoesophageal fistula
• Online Access: http://www.jmsjournal.net/article.asp?issn=1735-1995;year=2018;volume=23;issue=1;spage=30;epage=30;aulast=Adzic-Vukicevic

We reported the first case of inoperative thymic adenocarcinoma successfully palliative treated by the double-stent procedure. In a patient who expressed stridor, computed tomography was done and necrotic mediastinal mass, which protrudes into a trachea, was demonstrated. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed tracheal infiltration and 70% stenosis; therefore, surgical resection was inapplicable. Recanalization with repeated argon plasma coagulation and debridement of necrotic mass was performed, followed by placement of the endotracheal stent, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. After 1 year, the patient developed gastric aspiration and tracheoesophageal fistula; therefore, the esophageal stent was placed. The outcome was lethal, but the placement of endotracheal stent significantly increased a length of survival for the patient with invasive thymic adenocarcinoma.