Therapeutic bronchoscopy: endobronchial laser resection and airway stenting

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. About 30% of lung cancers cause obstruction of the major bronchus leading to severe complications such as postobstructive pneumonia, hemoptysis, and progressive dyspnea. Endobronchial laser treatment and airway stenting is an interventional pulmonary treatment offered to patients with lung tumors that obstruct the main airways. This article will provide an overview of endobronchial laser resection and airway stenting with a particular focus on procedural techniques and care of the patient.