92: Bronchoplasty for Benign Lung Lesions

Introduction

Although bronchoplasty for malignant lung lesions is common, bronchoplasty for benign lung lesions is relatively rare. In most instances, these lesions are published as individual case reports, and various approaches and procedures have been performed. In this chapter, selected case reports of bronchoplasty for benign lung lesions are used to illustrate each disease entity. Specific entities discussed in this chapter include bronchoplasty for tracheobronchomalacia, tuberculous bronchial lesions, endobronchial benign tumors, endobronchial inflammatory polyps, bronchial stenosis after bronchial anastomosis, and bronchial disruption.

Tracheobronchomalacia

Tracheobronchomalacia is characterized by weakness of the tracheobronchial wall and supporting cartilage. Collapsing airways due to tracheobronchomalacia have been stabilized with a variety of external splints; for example, autologous rib or various types of prostheses. A new technique has been reported in which a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft splint was placed for a serious case of tracheobronchomalacia.¹ The patient was a 55-year-old man with grade 3 tracheobronchomalacia (Johnson's classification) (Table 92-1).² Chest CT scan showed a crescent deformity of the trachea (Fig. 92-1A). Bronchoscopy revealed crescent-type stenosis (Fig. 92-1B). Matsuoka et al.¹ cut the 12-mm diameter ringed PTFE graft to a length of 2.5 cm (Fig. 92-2A). The prosthesis was divided longitudinally and spread. The rings were cut at various points to fit the membranous portion of the trachea and bronchi (Fig. 92-2B), after which the prosthesis was sutured to the cartilage and membranous portion with 4-0 PDS-II sutures (Fig. 92-2C). This process was repeated from the trachea to the bilateral bronchi. The patient's symptoms were markedly improved after surgery. Postoperative chest CT scan showed that the caliber of the trachea was well preserved (Fig. 92-3).