Clinical analysis of interventional bronchoscopy in management of tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical efficacy, complication and prospect of interventional bronchoscopictechniques in treating tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 12 patients with tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis who were treated by interventional bronchoscopy in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Results12 patients received interventional bronchoscopy,including argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, balloon dilatation, metallic stent placement. Bronchoscopic intervention provided immediate symptomatic relief in all of the patients. The average airway diameter increased from (2.71 ± 1.89) mm to (8.42± 1.75) mm(P <0.01). Dyspnea index decreased from (2.83±1.14) to (0.83±0.69) (P <0. 01). But restenosis occurred in nine patients(75%). Conclusions lnterventional bronchoscopy should be considered to be feasible for management of tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis. However, repeated sessions may be required to maintain this improvement because of restenosis. Key words: Balloon dilatation; Stent; Tracheobronchial stenosis; Tuberculosis