Review of pediatric airway malacia and its management, with emphasis on stenting

Malacia of the pediatric airway presents itself in a variety of clinical circumstances. Pediatric airway stenting is a more recent treatment modality. Complications may necessitate stent removal. This is usually performed bronchoscopically. We were forced to surgically remove a complicated airway stent. The Palmaz stent had been inserted for bronchomalacia presenting after interrupted aortic arch surgery in a 4-month old child with DiGeorge syndrome. This prompted us to review pediatric airway malacia, its management options and long-term outcomes, in an attempt to crystallize the current status of this relatively uncommon and difficult issue. The role of stents is analysed.