Traitement de l'obstruction bronchique

Bronchial obstruction is frequently encountered during the course of bronchial carcinomas. This condition generates respiratory symptoms that could ultimately lead to respiratory distress, necessitating a rapid management. Given that oncologic treatments do not allow a fast and efficient action, endoscopic treatments are necessary adjuncts in the tailored management of the patients at all the stages of the disease (neoadjuvant, adjuvant and palliative). Several endoscopic techniques do exist, each having their own advantages and drawbacks. The technique of reference relies on the use of the rigid bronchoscope given its rapidity and optimal safety, in association with a thermic technique of destruction. Endobronchial stents are indicated in cases of external compression or for prolonging the efficacy of the desobstruction. An efficient endoscopic treatment allows the oncologic treatments to be done in better conditions with reduced complications, as well as a symptomatic and functional improvement that could lead to an objective improvement in quality of life. Plus, life expectancy of patients, successfully treated from an obstruction, is equal to those who did not present with any obstruction, for an equivalent stage of the disease.