Use of 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction studies in the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing balloon dilatation for tracheobronchial stenosis.

Background: Balloon dilatation (BD) is a useful method of treating tracheobronchial stenosis (TBS); however, accurate preoperative identification of the lesion is difficult. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) is an imaging method that may allow more accurate definition of the lesion(s) preoperatively.

Study Objective: It is the aim of this study to present our finding using 3D-CT as a part of the preoperative evaluation of patients with TBS undergoing BD.

Ultrathin bronchoscopy as an adjunct to standard bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. A preliminary report.

Background: The role of the standard bronchoscope as a method of diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions is limited.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of the ultrathin bronchoscope as an adjunct to standard bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions.

Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients with a peripheral lung lesion on chest radiography or chest CT.