[Effect of pulmonary reventilation on gas exchange after cryolytic removal of obstruction in endobronchial tumors].

Blood gas analysis was used to assess the value of cryolytic endobronchial disobstruction in functional recovery of the reventilated lung parenchyma, with particular reference to the real improvement brought about in blood gas equilibrium by reventilation. Blood gas analysis was carried out in 5 cases of malignant tracheobronchial neoplasia (3 with atelectasis or subatelectasis) before and after disobstruction. Improved gas exchange, primarily in the form of better blood oxygen values, was noted in all cases, with a mean improvement of 28% in 3 cases and 7% in 2. It should be noted, however, that there was no correspondence between the results and the presence or otherwise of radiological evidence of atelectasis prior to the treatment.