https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23520982
Case Series
Reference: Casal RF, Iribarren J, Eapen G, et al. Safety and effectiveness of microdebrider bronchoscopy for the management of central airway obstruction. Respirology. 2013;18(6):1011-5.
Background: There is limited bronchoscopic data on the use of a microdebrider for treatment of CAO. This article reviews the safety and fundamental features of the technique.
PICO:
Populations:
- Patients with CAO needing therapeutic intervention
Intervention:
- Microdebrider use in CAO
Comparison:
- None
Outcome:
- 51 patients with a variety of benign and malignant cases with CAO. Obstruction was purely endoluminal in 32 cases (63%). Pre-treatment obstruction was severe in 25 cases (49%), moderate in 20 cases (39%) and mild in 6 cases (12%). After tumor debulking with microdebrider, the residual airway obstruction was insignificant in 27 cases (53%), mild in 23 cases (45%), and moderate in 1 case (2%). No major complications were encountered and only 2 patients had mild adverse events: 1 case of pneumomediastinum and 1 self-expandable stent damage requiring its removal.
Take Home: Microdebrider use during bronchoscopy is potentially a safe and effective way to manage central airway obstruction of both malignant and benign origin.
