Successful Recanalization of a Complete Lobar Bronchial Stenosis in a Lung Transplant Patient Using a Combined Percutaneous and Bronchoscopic Approach

Abstract

Airway stenosis is a major complication after lung transplantation that is usually managed with a combination of interventional endoscopic techniques, including endobronchial debridement, balloon dilation, and stent lacement. Herein, we report a successful case of recanalization of a complete stenosis of the right middle lobe bronchus in a lung transplant patient, by using a combined percutaneous–bronchoscopic approach after the failure of endobronchial debridement.

Balloon Bronchoplasty for the Treatment of Bronchial Stenosis After Lung Transplantation: A Single-Center 10-Year Experience

“…Lung transplantation (LT) is the optimal treatment option for end-stage pulmonary diseases and patients’ survival has improved with the development of immunosuppression and surgical techniques [ 1 2 ]. However, airway complications, which affect 7%–40% of patients, remain common and serious events following LT [ 3 4 5 6 ]. Among the various airway complications, airway stenosis is the most prevalent, with incidence rates varying from 1.6% to 24.4%, commonly developing 2–4 months after surgery [ 7 8 ].…”

“…Stenosis usually occurs at the anastomotic site or distal sites of the lobar, segmental, and subsegmental bronchi. Bronchial stenosis can cause dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and obstructive pneumonia and may eventually lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to pulmonary infection, obstructive airway disease, and allograft dysfunction [ 5 6 7 8 9 ].…”