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.
Keywords: Interventional bronchoscopy, endobronchial treatment, malignant
obstruction.
