Dilatation of bronchial stenoses due to sarcoidosis using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope

Stenosis of the trachea and bronchi can complicate many diseases and lead to significant pulmonary complaints. Unfortunately, steroids rarely yield satisfactory results in reversing symptoms. We describe six patients with symptomatic airway stenosis from sarcoidosis, all of whom were refractory to steroid therapy. By using a Fogarty embolectomy catheter inserted through the inner channel of a flexible bronchoscope, we were able to dilate the stenotic areas under direct vision. Patients had significant subjective improvement following dilatation and no significant complications occurred. We believe this technique represents an improvement on previously described methods because it can easily access the upper lobes and more distal segments and can be performed at the bedside.