Multidisciplinary care in nonmalignant central airway obstruction

The management of histologically benign central airway obstruction (CAO) is complex. Published studies have focused on the diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options provided by specific specialties, but there has been no focus on multidisciplinary management of this disease. Our objective is to review the current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for managing nonmalignant CAO from a multidisciplinary perspective involving otolaryngology, thoracic surgery and interventional bronchoscopists.

For benign airway strictures, management is via medical and endoscopic therapy with surgical resection reserved for complex and recurrent stenoses. There is evidence and growing interest in intralesional corticosteroid injection in treating inflammation and potentially preventing recurrence. Airway specialists from distinct disciplines use different laser types, dilating balloons and anesthesia methods to manage benign CAO. Recent studies have demonstrated substantial improvements in patient breathlessness and quality of life following therapeutic airway interventions, highlighting the evolving landscape in this cross-disciplinary field.

Nonmalignant CAO, arising from various mechanical, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies, poses significant morbidity and mortality risks. Current treatments include endoscopic resection, dilation, stent placement, and surgical resection which are selected based on lesion's complexity, extent, operability and patient's symptoms and goals. A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to patient care could offer the best outcomes.