What is the success rate of tracheal stents?

The success rate of tracheal stents varies depending on the specific condition being treated, but overall they are an effective intervention for maintaining tracheal patency. 

Here's a brief overview of reported success rates:

- Tracheal stenosis: 75-90% success rate in improving symptoms and lung function. Stents are considered first-line treatment for subglottic and tracheal stenosis.

- Malignant airway obstruction: Up to 90% success rate in palliating symptoms and improving quality of life. Stents provide immediate airway improvement in most patients.

- Post-intubation tracheal injury: 80-90% success rate when used with adjuvant therapies like laser resection. Stents allow healing of lacerations/tears. 

- Tracheomalacia: 50-100% success reported in case series but evidence is limited. Stents provide support in expiratory collapse.

- Tracheo-esophageal fistulas: Success rate around 90% in sealing small fistulas so lungs can be protected from aspiration.

- Laryngotracheal trauma: Up to 95% success rate when stents are placed early especially in pediatric cases.Overall complications like migration, mucus plugging, and granulation tissue formation can occur in up to 15-30% of patients with stents. So while not universally effective for all conditions, tracheal stents do provide meaningful airway improvement in a majority of carefully selected patients with tracheal disorders when surgery is not an option.