Tracheobronchomalacia vs Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a frequently under-recognized condition that often coexists with other chronic respiratory diseases. The diagnosis of excessive central airway collapse requires consideration by the physician. Dynamic computed tomography scan of the chest and awake dynamic bronchoscopy are critical to establishing a diagnosis of TBM. Patients with severe TBM are candidates for tracheobronchoplasty. Multidisciplinary evaluation of patients with TBM has the potential benefit derived from shared decision-making to ensure patient optimization, prehabilitation, periprocedural care and posttreatment recovery, rehabilitation, and follow-up. Robotic tracheobronchoplasty is safe and improves pulmonary function tests and quality of life in patients with severe TBM.