ENDOBRONCHIAL ABLATIVE THERAPIES

Abstract

Endobronchial ablative therapies are minimally invasive therapies that are rendered through rigid or flexible bronchoscopes to address endoluminal lesions that are associated with respiratory. These therapies can be rendered to patients with malignant and benign lesions. The choiceto utilize one therapy over another is dependent on technical and patient specific factors. Having knowledge of each of the therapies, potential complications related to each therapy, and knowing when and how to blend the benefits of each therapy is of utmost importance. Pubmed was used as the search engine to identify articles related to the following search terms: endobronchial ablative therapies; Nd:YAG laser; electrocautery; cryotherapy; photodynamic therapy; brachytherapy; and bronchoscopy. This review will concisely review each endobronchial ablative therapy, indications and contraindications for each therapy, complications of endobronchial ablative therapies, and end with a brief discussion of practicalconsideration with endobronchial ablative therapies.