RIGID BRONCHOSCOPY

Abstract

Complex airway diseases often represent a therapeutic challenge and require a multidisciplinary approach involving interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons. While surgery is often the preferred definitive modality,advances in bronchoscopic techniques have led to substantial improvements in patient symptoms and long-term quality of life using minimally invasive techniques generally safe when performed by experienced proceduralists.Endobronchial laser therapy, cryotherapy, electrocautery or argon plasma coagulation and photodynamic therapy have been used successfully.Despite new technologies, the rigid bronchoscopy remains the method of choice for the treatment of both benign and malignant central airway obstruction. It allows rapid and safe dilation, mechanical debulking, foreign bodyremoval and silicone stent placement. Its limitation is represented by peripheral or upper lobes lesions, which are not assessable with the rigid tube but significant technological advances allow for effective treatments using theflexible bronchoscope. Rigid and flexible bronchoscopes should not be opposed and are fully complimentary.