The Diagnosis of Large Airway Pathology and the Role of Rigid Bronchoscopy

Jenny L.      Bacon; Michael P.      Wilde; Martha E.      Walker; Susannah      Leaver; Agnieszka      Crerar-Gilbert; Brendan P.      Madden

Abstract

With improving awareness, diagnostic techniques and evolving therapeutic strategies, large airway pathology is becoming an increasing, complex and challenging problem for physicians involved in the management of patients with diverse benign and malignant disease. Endobronchial intervention using rigid bronchoscopy has an established role in managing many large airway pathologies e.g. malignant conditions and for other benign diseases it is being developed. Successful outcome depends not only on familiarity with the techniques available but also on a cohesive multidisciplinary team working together with input from doctors skilled in the art of rigid and flexible bronchoscopy, anaesthetists, nurses, theatre recovery staff, operating department assistants and practitioners.

Keywords: Airway debulking, airway stent, endobronchial intervention, large airway obstruction, laser therapy, Nd- Yag Laser, rigid bronchoscopy, stridor.