Options and results in endobronchial treatment of lung cancer

Interventional bronchoscopy for treatment of lung cancer has made tremendous progress over the last 10 years due to the introduction of new techniques. In the natural course of lung cancer the airways frequently become involved which may result in life-threatening complications such as suffocation due to high grade central airway stenosis, severe haemorrhage or postobstructive pneumonia and abscess formation. In these situations relief has to be provided by endoscopic means before definite treatment may be taken into consideration, Emergency desobliteration of the airways can be achieved by mechanical, thermal and optical instruments to give the patient the chance of long-term survival by additional adjuvant conservative therapy. If the tumour is restricted to the central airway, long-term palliation or in some instances even cure can be provided by endoscopic means. Also haemorrhagic and septic complications of the tumour or bronchopleural fistulae can frequently be managed by endoscopic means.