Malignant central airway obstruction is a common problem in lung cancer. A symptomatic stenosis can often be treated successfully using endoscopy. Different approaches for recanalisation are available. The goal of treating exophytic obstruction is to remove the endobronchial tumour growth. Mechanic debulking, electrocautery/diathermy, argon plasma coagulation, laser resection and cryoextraction are techniques that can provide immediate relief. Cryotherapy, brachytherapy and photodynamic therapy show delayed recanalisation effects. Silicone or self-expanding metallic airway stents can be used for the treatment of airway obstruction due to extrinsic disease to restore and maintain airway patency.
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