Application of high-frequency electrocautery combined with high pressure balloon expansion in treatment of benign airway obstruction

• Published in: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University Vol. 31; no. 2; p. 369
• Main Authors: Gao, Ping, Chen, Zheng-xian, Guo, Ji-quan, Huang, Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 01.02.2011
• Subjects: Adult; Airway Obstruction - surgery; Airway Obstruction - therapy; Bronchoscopy - methods; Catheterization - methods; Combined Modality Therapy; Electrocoagulation - methods; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1673-4254

To study the value of high-frequency electrocautery combined with high-pressure balloon expansion in the treatment of benign airway obstruction. Twelve patients with complete airway obstruction received treatment with high-frequency electrocautery and high-pressure balloon expansion, and 6 months of follow-up was performed. After the initial treatment, the rate of airway obstruction relief exceeded 50% in 8 patients, who showed lung recruitment and an increased dyspnea index, suggesting total effectiveness; one patient showed mild improvement with airway stenosis relief by less than 50% (the upper-left lobe remained obstructed). Stents were implanted eventually in 7 patients for airway maintenance. Two patients showed relief of the airway obstruction by over 50% after the initial treatment, but lung recruitment or dyspnea relief failed to be achieved, suggesting non-response to the treatment. The airway failed to be found in 1 case (who received 5 previous operations of ablation and dilatation), which was con