Topical mitomycin-C as an adjuvant to multimodal endoscopic treatment for tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis

Abstract

Tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis (TSTB) is a rare but debilitating complication of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). Topical mitomycin-C (TMC) has been successfully utilized to restore airway patency and to prevent recurrence of TSTB, although little is known about its exact efficacy. Here, we report the biggest case series to date involving seven patients who received TMC as part of multimodality endoscopic treatment for TSTB with varying levels of success. All patients presented with dyspnoea during or after treatment completion for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Four patients had short-segment concentric membranous TSTB while two patients had concurrent bronchomalacia. Another one patient had a thick fibrotic band adjacent to luminal opening. We hypothesize that TMC is more efficacious in short membranous stenosis without concurrent bronchomalacia and/or thick fibrotic bands. More studies are needed to bridge the current gaps in knowledge regarding the optimal role and benefits of TMC for TSTB patients.