Central airway obstruction can arise from a variety of disease processes,
both benign and malignant in etiology, and result in significant morbidity and mortality
to the patient. Both surgical and endoscopic techniques can be used to successfully
manage central airway obstruction. The decision regarding how to approach each
patient should be based on their own unique anatomic and physiologic considerations.
In this chapter, we will discuss the etiologies of tracheal and bronchial stenosis, the
physiologic effects of central airway stenosis, and the various bronchoscopic
techniques that can be applied to manage central airway obstruction.
Keywords: Airway stent, Balloon dilation, Bronchial stenosis, Central airway
obstruction, Electrocautery, Laser, Post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS),
Tracheal anatomy, Tracheal stenosis.
