Abstract
Bronchoscopy is a common day case procedure that can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial disorders. The controlled application of extreme cold through a bronchoscope to endobronchial lesions (malignant and benign) is known as endobronchial cryosurgery. This procedure improves respiratory function and reduces shortness of breath and is performed in a cycle of three treatments. This article describes the instrumentation required, how cryosurgery is performed and how endobronchial cryosurgery can improve the patient's functional status and survival.
MeSH terms
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Activities of Daily Living
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Airway Obstruction / etiology
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Airway Obstruction / prevention & control
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Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / methods*
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Bronchial Neoplasms / complications
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Bronchial Neoplasms / mortality
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Bronchial Neoplasms / surgery*
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Bronchoscopy / methods*
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Cryosurgery / methods*
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Dyspnea / etiology
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Dyspnea / prevention & control
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Forced Expiratory Volume
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Humans
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Palliative Care / methods*
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Patient Selection
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Survival Rate
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Tracheal Neoplasms / complications
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Tracheal Neoplasms / mortality
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Tracheal Neoplasms / surgery*
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Treatment Outcome
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Vital Capacity