Rigid bronchoscopy and large airway intervention: A review of 1,379 cases at a single tertiary UK centre

Introduction: Endobronchial intervention using Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is an established method of managing large airways pathologies. There are, however, few studies providing complication rates 1 , with a rate of 13.3% (n=103/775) in the most cited study 2 . Aims: To evaluate the number, intervention and complication rate of RBs at a tertiary centre in the UK Methods: All RBs performed at a tertiary UK centre since 1 st October 2007 were reviewed for intervention and procedural complications. All RBs were performed under general anaesthetic with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Results: 1,379 RBs were performed. Nd-Yag laser was the most common intervention (35%) followed by stent insertion (24%). There were complications in 1.2% (n=17) of cases, including 1 fatality (0.7%). This occurred secondary to tumour eroding into the bronchus prior to intervention being performed. Haemorrhage (≥100mls) occurred in 8 patients (0.6%), pneumothorax in 6 (0.4%). 3 patients required intensive care post operatively (0.2%), 2 for respiratory failure (0.2%) and 1 for bleeding, all were successfully discharged home. Conclusion: These results show favourable complication rates to published data and suggest that RB is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced team. 1 Stahl et al. IJCIIS. 2015;5,3:189-195 2 Drummond. J Bronchol. 2003;10:3.