First airway stent procedure in Air Force performed at Keesler AFB

Doctors at Keesler Air Force Base performed the Air Force’s first airway stent procedure to help save the lives of two patients.

Two patients battling lung cancer received the Air Force’s first airway stent procedure giving them the ability to breathe. Dr. Darrell Nettlow said, “I go in with flexible camera called a bronchoscope and what I can do is I can actually dilate the airways up. So, I use a special balloon that we inflate into the airways and open it back up.”

Through this procedure the pulmonary critical care team is able to burn the tumors and open the patient’s airways with a palliative airway stent. “I actually put a flexible metal stent and that will keep the airway open so that people can breathe.”

Prior to doctors on base being able to do this procedure, patients would have to go to a different doctor and hospital making it a hassle. Now with this procedure available on base, it makes it quicker and easier for patients. Dr. John Untisz said, “Having everything in one location also helps our folks accomplish our medical mission here at Keesler Air Force Base which is train, teach, and treat.”

Dr. Untisz says this procedure will continue to improve the quality of life for a lot of patients. “This capability that we offer at Keesler is a testament to all the hard work that all the providers here are able to offer.”