Post-intubation tracheal lacerations: Risk-stratification and treatment protocol according to morphological classification.

Background: Post-intubation tracheal laceration (PITL) is a rare condition (0.005% of intubations). The treatment of choice has traditionally been surgical repair.

The Use of Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge and Cyanoacrylate Glue in the Treatment of Large and Chronic Bronchopleural Fistulae following Lung Cancer Resection.

Background: Bronchopleural fistulae represent a relatively rare complication of pulmonary resection. For inoperable patients, several endoscopic procedures have been described. In the presence of large and chronic bronchopleural fistulae, persistent air leaks require a surgical therapy, while endoscopic airway stent represents a useful palliative treatment.

Role of Transbronchial Needle Core Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Diseases: Experience With an Innovative Endoscopic Technique Using a Rigid Tru-Cut Needle.

Background: Enlarged lymph nodes or mediastinal masses diagnosed by computed tomographic scan before the advent of bronchoscopic procedures (TBNA or EBUS) were usually investigated using a thoracic surgical approach. In this paper, we report the experience with the use of a modified rigid tru-cut needle in the bioptical approach to mediastinal masses; to determine whether it could be considered a valid alternative to surgery, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of this new endoscopic technique.

Methods: A total of 156 selected patients with radiographic evidence of lymphadenopathy or mediastinal masses (subcarinal and paratracheal with a short-axis diameter >3 cm) were studied in our center by rigid bronchoscopy using a 18-G tru-cut needle to obtain a core biopsy of the lesion.

A new endoscopic hand drill for management of tracheal stenosis.

Tracheal resection and primary anastomosis is the treatment of choice for the management of benign tracheal stenoses. Rigid endoscopy with laser-assisted mechanical dilatation is an alternative to surgery and helps to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients unfit for surgery. Here, we describe the treatment of a simple web-like stenosis, using a new endoscopic hand drill that was assembled by sharpening the blunt tip of a standard endoscopic cotton applicator.

The Rationale for Treatment of Postresectional Bronchopleural Fistula: Analysis of 52 Patients.

Background: Bronchopleural fistulas are a major therapeutic challenge. We have reviewed our experience to establish the best choice of treatment.

Methods: From January 2001 to December 2013, the records of 3,832 patients who underwent pulmonary anatomic resections were retrospectively reviewed.

Interventional endoscopy in the management of benign tracheal stenoses: definitive treatment at long-term follow-up.

Objective: Interventional bronchoscopy is one of the modalities for palliation and definitive treatment of benign tracheal stenosis. There is however no general agreement on the management of this disease. Aim of this work is to define, in the largest group of patients presented in the literature, what types of tracheal stenosis are amenable to definitive treatment by interventional endoscopy.

Endobronchial ultrasound-driven biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions.

Study Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare the diagnostic yield of two bronchoscopic procedures: endobronchial ultrasound-driven transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB) and transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded study.

Setting: University Hospital of Rome, Italy.