Electrocautery vs Cryotherapy in Management of Central Airway Obstruction

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Chest diseases, Faculty of Medicine for boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

https://doi.org/10.21608/aimj.2025.446640

Abstract

Background: Central airway obstruction (CAO) is a life-threatening condition with a poor prognosis, particularly with proximal obstruction.
Aim of the work: To compare the efficacy and safety of electrocautery and cryotherapy in managing CAO.
Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with symptomatic CAO were randomized into two groups based on the treatment modality: Group A (15 patients) underwent bronchoscopic cryotherapy, while Group B (15 patients) received bronchoscopic electrocautery. To evaluate treatment outcomes, we assessed and compared airway patency, symptom improvement, performance status, spirometry, arterial blood gases, and thoracic imaging both before and after the intervention, as well as between the two groups. This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Interventional Pulmonology Unit, Department of Chest Diseases, Al-Hussien University Hospital, from February 2023 to February 2025.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all assessed parameters post-procedure. No major ‎differences were found between groups.‎
Conclusion: Electrocautery and cryotherapy are effective treatment options for CAO, offering similar ‎outcomes in symptom relief and airway recanalization.
 
 

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