Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of balloon dilation using fiberoptic bronchoscope in the management of bronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis.
Methods: The clinical data and long term follow-up results of 25 patients with bronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis who had received balloon dilation using a fiberoptic bronchoscope were retrospectively analyzed. Before the procedure and immediately after the last operation, airway diameters were estimated in all patients.
Results: Two to seven operations were required to achieve satisfactory dilatation. After balloon dilatation, the average airway diameter increased from (2.8 +/- 1.1) mm to (6.7 +/- 2.3) mm (t = 5.471, P < 0.05). No complications occurred during inflation among all patients. After 2 to 36 months follow-up, no re-stenosis appeared. Sixteen patients were followed for more than 1 year, and the average airway diameter was (5.5 +/- 2.0) mm 1 year after the last balloon dilation. There was a significant difference compared with the average airway diameter before dilation (t = 2.834, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference as compared with the average airway diameter after the last balloon dilation. Of 11 patients with atelectasis, the atelectasis completely resolved after balloon dilation in 2 cases.
Conclusion: Balloon dilation using fiberoptic bronchoscope is an effective, safe, and simple method for treatment of bronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis.