Surgical treatment of posttransplant bronchial stenoses: case reports

Bronchial stenoses are still a frequent complication after lung transplantation. The stenosis usually involves the anastomotic site, but rarely a distal site. The first choice treatment is an endoscopic balloon dilatation, laser ablation, and stenting. Unrelenting strictures may require an open surgical approach.

Between 1995 and 2006, 154 patients underwent lung transplantation, including 134 who survived the perioperative period and were followed to evaluate the incidence of bronchial stenosis. Among 219 anastomoses at risk, 13 (5.9%) stenoses occurred in 11 patients. Conservative endoscopic management was effective for eight patients, but a surgical approach was necessary for three patients with segmental distal stenosis.

One patient received a lower sleeve bilobectomy; one patient, wedge bronchoplasty of the bronchus intermedius; and another patient, an isolated sleeve resection of the bronchus intermedius. All patients had good outcomes with resolution of stenosis.

Although rare, the surgical approach for bronchial strictures after lung transplantation is a good option. Parenchyma-sparing techniques are feasible and effective.