Palliation of tracheobronchial carcinoma: the role of cryosurgery.
Bronchoscopy is a common day case procedure that can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial disorders. The controlled application of extreme cold through a bronchoscope to endobronchial lesions (malignant and benign) is known as endobronchial cryosurgery. This procedure improves respiratory function and reduces shortness of breath and is performed in a cycle of three treatments. This article describes the instrumentation required, how cryosurgery is performed and how endobronchial cryosurgery can improve the patient's functional status and survival.
Beeson
Julia
J
Cryosurgery Research Department, Harefield Hospital.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D015996:Survival Rate; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity