title: [An experience with argon-plasma coagulation in endoscopic management of obstructive tumors of the trachea and main bronchi].
abstract: Endoscopic management of obstructive tumors of the trachea and main bronchi was carried out using argon-plasma coagulation in 39 patients aged 15-75. Thirty four patients had primary malignancies, 2--secondary tumors and 1- metastasis to the lung. Two patients with benign tumors were cured completely. Lobar bronchus lesions involving the extrapulmonary bronchus were identified in 28 patients; involvement of both main bronchi and trachea--5, intermediate bronchus lesions--3, and involvement of one lobar bronchus--3. Stenosis was complete in most patients and full or partial lumen was restored in all of them. Follow-up checks were conducted at 2-, 4- and 12-week intervals under outpatient conditions. Bleeding from the bronchial arteries broke out in 1 patient during examination and was aborted. Our method may be used in emergency to manage tumor-induced obstruction of the trachea and main bronchi, to raise the quality of life in incurable cases and to improve the results of chemoradiotherapy.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Avanesian
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shcherbakov
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Arsen'ev
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy; D001980:Bronchi / Q000601:surgery*; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*