Lung Cancer Surgery Part H: Interventional Bronchoscopy

The field of interventional bronchoscopy includes several endobronchial treatment techniques that are used to relieve obstruction of the trachea and large bronchi secondary to either benign or malignant process. Balloon dilatation, endobronchial laser therapy, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, brachytherapy and stent application are all frequently used in the management of these disorders. Each technique has a unique set of characteristics that may make it the more or less appropriate modality to use for a specific patient and condition. These procedures are performed using either rigid or flexible bronchoscopy depending on the particular patient and disease process involved, as well as the bronchoscopist's experience. Indications of interventional bronchoscopy are [1] malignant airway obstruction, [2] troubleshooting of benign airway obstruction, [3] foreign body aspiration, [4] hemoptysis, and [5] rarely the other applications.