Objective: To demonstrate in a group of 26 patients with benign stenosis of the trachea the possibi lity to use a Palmaz stent as the method of choice. Material and methods: The authors introduced since 1995 to patients with benign stenosis of the trachea 36 stents (1 Wallstent, 2 Z stents and 33 Palmaz stents). The operation was performed under general anaesthesia in an operating theatre under skiascopic and optic control. The stent was inserted along a guide. Before insertion of the stent they dilated the stenosis by means of a balloon dilatation catheter. Results: Respiration improved in all patients within 6 days after introduction of the stent. Within 30 days after insertion of the stent none of the patients died. Two patients (7.7 %) died four weeks (Palmaz stent) and 11 months (Wallstent) after insertion of the stent. Restenosis was observed in 9 patients (34.6 %) 2–16 weeks after introduction of the stent. In 5 patients restenosis developed repeatedly. At present 19 patients (73 %) are free from complaints for 1 month to 4 years after insertion of the stent (average 28 months). 5 patients (19 %) had a tracheostomy and insertion of the stent in these patients did not produce so far the anticipated result. Conclusion: The authors assume that the use of Palmaz stent is in patients with benign stenosis of the trachea in indicated cases the method of choice.

        Key words: Palmaz stent – trachea – benign stenosis