Interventional bronchoscopy for the management of airway complications following lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the efficacy of interventional bronchoscopic techniques used to treat stenosis of bronchial anastomosis after lung transplantation.Methods A retrospective study of 24 cases who underwent lung transplantation from September 2003 to August 2005 in our Unit was done. All recipients were subjected to surveillance bronchoscopy with biopsy at predetermined intervals and when clinically indicated. Endobronchial electrocauterization with microwave therapy apparatus and endobronchial electrocoagulation with high-frequency electrotome were performed for the management of bronchial stenosis or granuloma formation.Results There were 2 of 24 recipients (2/24,8.3 %) with stenosis of bronchial anastomosis. Airway stenosis appeared in 3 of 28 anastomoses (3/28,10.7 %) 2 on the left and 1 on the right. These patients with airway stenosis responded to interventional bronchoscopy,and their respiratory function was improved significantly.Conclusions Despite the improvements in surgical technique and immunosuppression strategies,a small number of patients still had airway complications after lung transplantation. Interventional bronchoscopic techniques,i.e. endobronchial electrocauterization with microwave therapy apparatus and endobronchial electrocoagulation with high-frequency electrotome will be effective in the treatment of airway complications after lung transplantation and with good response in respiratory function.