Endoscopic management of airway complications after lung transplantation

Airway complications remain a source of significant morbidity after lung transplantation. The current incidence of such complications is 12% to 15%. The associated mortality is 2% to 3%. Extensive necrosis and anastomotic dehiscence have become rare, but granulation tissue accumulation, stenosis, and bronchomalacia persist. The major factors that increase the risk for such complications are those that aggravate anastomotic ischemia. Because blood flow to the donor main-stem bronchus is derived from collateral circulation from the pulmonary arteries, minimizing pulmonary inflammation, optimizing pulmonary blood flow, and limiting exposure to positive pressure ventilation are important considerations. Attention to organ preservation techniques and perioperative management is critically important. Controversy remains regarding the optimal anastomotic technique, but properly done, end-to-end anastomosis is readily reproducible and is associated with a low incidence of complications. Attempts to restore the bronchial circulation surgically are not associated with significant reductions in airway complications. Similarly, the routine use of vascularized soft tissue reinforcement no longer seems justified. Most complications can be managed readily with a combination of endoscopic techniques, including débridement (with or without laser or cryotherapy), dilation, and stent placement. Resective procedures rarely are indicated, and retransplantation should be reserved for exceptional cases.