[Treatment of bronchial tumors with high-frequency thermocoagulation. Preliminary studies]

Several techniques are available for endobroncheal tissue destruction. The cost and nature of the effect of the different techniques are determining factors in deciding on which equipment to use. Electrocoagulation is an old method which has practically been abandoned in favour of high frequency coagulation. This technique has an immediate effect, somewhat like the laser. We treated 32 patients with inoperable malignant (17) or benign (5) tumours obstructing the trachea or the bronchi. Response to treatment was evaluated on clinical manifestations and endoscopic findings. Haemostasis was obtained in 11/12 cases and tumour destruction of more than 50% in 27/32 cases. Complications included haemoptysia in 2 patients followed by death due to respiratory failure in 1. The ERBOTOM ACC 450 equipment was piloted with a microcomputer to control the power output automatically. White coagulation was induced by slow heating up to 70-100 degrees C causing tissue vaporization. The cost of this multiple applications of this equipment is competitive.