Interventional bronchoscopy in patients with endobronchial tuberculosis - a single center review

<bold>Background:</bold> Tuberculosis cases are on the rise post COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in decades that cases have risen globally. Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) can sometimes require interventional bronchoscopy procedures. It can be often challenging to manage EBTB by repeated bronchoscopic procedures. <bold>Aims and objectives:</bold> To assess the long-term efficacy of interventional bronchoscopy in patients with EBTB. <bold>Methods:</bold> We retrospectively enrolled 28 EBTB patients who underwent interventional bronchoscopy procedures between April 1, 2004, and October 16, 2021. <bold>Results:</bold> A total of 14 EBTB patients were followed up for an average of 10.5 (2-33) years, while 14 patients transferred to other institutions after interventional procedures. Patient characteristics are shown in table 1. Thirteen patients underwent balloon dilation, 7 patients with airway malacia required stent placements, and 2 patients with left main bronchial scar stenosis each required a silicone straight stent. One patient required one additional ultraflex stent placement. In 4 patients with silicone straight stents, all stents were able to be removed. Seven patients required replacements of silicone Y stent. The condition of 12 patients have been well-maintained during follow-up, while 2 patients with airway malacia were died due to stent related granulation and infection. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Balloon dilation and airway stenting was useful for patients with unilateral main bronchial stenosis. However, it is challenging to manage EBTB in patients with trachea and bronchial malacia, since airway stenting can cause a high rate of complications.