Objective: To assess the effect and safety of balloon dilatation through fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the management of benign tracheobronchial stenosis.
Methods: Thirty-seven patients with proximal benign tracheobronchial stenosis were treated by balloon dilatation through flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. A fiberoptic bronchoscope was inserted, a balloon catheter was sent to the stenotic segment from the working channel and positioned in the stenotic bronchus. Under direct visualization, the balloon was inflated for 1 min to 3 min. Repeat inflation-deflation cycles were done if airway narrowing remained after the initial operation. Before the procedure and immediately after the last operation, airway diameters, dyspnea index and complications were evaluated in all of the patients and FEV(1) was tested in 26 of the 37 patients.
Results: One to 6 operations (2.4 +/- 1.1, approximately x +/- s) were required to achieve satisfactory dilatation. After high-pressure balloon dilatation, the average airway diameter increased from (2.6 +/- 1.2) mm to (6.9 +/- 1.8) mm (P < 0.01). Dyspnea index decreased from 2.0 +/- 0.8 to 0.7 +/- 0.6 (P < 0.01). FEV(1) was increased from (1.3 +/- 0.6) L to (1.8 +/- 1.0) L (P < 0.01). No severe complications were found in these patients
Conclusion: Bronchoplasty by high-pressure balloon dilatation through flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a simple but effective and safe method to treat proximal benign tracheobronchial stenosis.