BACKGROUND/AIMS: We made a systematic review and evaluation of endoscopic cryotherapy of endobronchial tumors, investigating safety and efficacy. METHODS: Qualified studies regarding endoscopic cryotherapy of lung tumors were systemically evaluated using available databases according to predefined criteria. RESULTS: In total, 16 publications were included in the final assessment. A narrative synthesis was performed because a formal meta-analysis was not viable due to the lack of controlled studies and study heterogeneity. Overall success rates for significant recanalization of the obstruction were approximately 80%, although they varied, depending on disease status in the patient population. Complications from the procedure developed in 0-11.1% of cases, most of which were minor and controlled by conservative management. Although limited data were available on comprehensive functional assessment, some studies showed that respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, and performance status were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cryotherapy was found to be a safe and useful procedure in the management of endobronchial tumors although its efficacy and appropriate indications have yet to be determined in well-designed controlled studies.
Bronchial Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*surgery ; *Bronchoscopy/adverse effects ; Cryosurgery/adverse effects/*methods/mortality ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*surgery ; Neoplasm Staging ; Risk Assessment ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo review the experience in surgical treatment for tumors of trachea, carina and main bronchus.

METHODSFrom Jan. 1996 to Jun. 2004, 27 patients with tumor of trachea, carina or main bronchus underwent surgery including resection and reconstruction of trachea in 8, right/left pneumonectomy and carinal resection and reconstruction in 9 (6/3), right sleeve upper lobectomy and carnial resection with reconstruction of trachea and carina in 2, carina resection and reconstruction in 3, tumor removal through tracheal windows in 5. CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) was used in 2 patients during surgery.

RESULTSThere were 3 peri-operative deaths caused by acute respiratory failure in 2 and severe postoperative bleeding in 1 case. After follow-up of more than 6 months, no death or post-operative complication occurred.

CONCLUSIONResection and reconstruction for patients with tumor of trachea, main bronchus or carina can be performed with excellent results using effective surgical and anaesthetic methods with or without CPB assistance.

Adenocarcinoma ; mortality ; surgery ; Adult ; Aged ; Bronchi ; pathology ; surgery ; Bronchial Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; mortality ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonectomy ; methods ; Survival Rate ; Trachea ; pathology ; surgery ; Tracheal Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery