Central airway obstruction

Abstract

Neoplastic central airway obstruction (CAO) with imminent respiratory failure, stridor and/or severe dyspnoea requires immediate and appropriate care and action. Initial evaluation of CAO involves CT and bronchoscopy in order to decide upon timely referral for interventional pulmonology, consisting of mechanical debulking with or without thermocoagulation to restore airway patency and with or without airway stenting to preserve central airway patency. The assessment and treatment of benign central airway strictures should be reserved for selected centres that provide a multidisciplinary, dedicated interventional approach and are evaluated based on qualitative long-term outcome.