[An experience with argon-plasma coagulation in endoscopic management of obstructive tumors of the trachea and main bronchi].

Endoscopic management of obstructive tumors of the trachea and main bronchi was carried out using argon-plasma coagulation in 39 patients aged 15-75. Thirty four patients had primary malignancies, 2--secondary tumors and 1- metastasis to the lung. Two patients with benign tumors were cured completely. Lobar bronchus lesions involving the extrapulmonary bronchus were identified in 28 patients; involvement of both main bronchi and trachea--5, intermediate bronchus lesions--3, and involvement of one lobar bronchus--3. Stenosis was complete in most patients and full or partial lumen was restored in all of them. Follow-up checks were conducted at 2-, 4- and 12-week intervals under outpatient conditions. Bleeding from the bronchial arteries broke out in 1 patient during examination and was aborted. Our method may be used in emergency to manage tumor-induced obstruction of the trachea and main bronchi, to raise the quality of life in incurable cases and to improve the results of chemoradiotherapy.