Clinical Analysis Of Bronchoscopic Treatment Of Patients With Tubercular Bronchial Stenosis

Objective:To assess the value of balloon dilation using a bronchoscopy in the management of tubercular bronchial stenosis.Methods:22 patients with tubercular bronchial stenosis between January 2009 and October 2009 were managed by balloon using the bronchoscope. Each patient under-went bronchoscopy, in which a balloon catheter was sent to stenosis segment from the working channel and positioned across the stenosis. Under direct visualization, the balloon was inflated for 1 to 3 min. Repeated inflation-deflation cycles were done if airway narrowing remained after the initial attempt. Airway diameters, dyspnea index and complications were evaluat-ed in all patients and FEV1 was tested before and after management.Results:Patients required 1-8 sessions balloon management with a mean of (3.22±1.24) sessions. After high pressure balloon dilatations, airway average diameter increased from(3.38±1.59)mm to (6.72±1.18)mm, P<0.01. Dyspnea index decreased from (1.25±0.55) to (0.71±0.29), P<0.01. FEV1 increased from (1.80±0.21)L to (2.36±0.31)L, P<0.01. No severe complica-tion was found in all patients.Conclusion:Fiberoptic bronchoscopic balloon dilation is a simple,rapid,safe and effective method to treat tubercular bronchial stenosis.