Iron pill inhalation represents a uncommon cause of syntomatic endobronchial foreign bodies. Unlike foreign body, the direct contact of iron tablet onto the bronchial mucosa results in severe bronchial damage in addition to obstruction and local irritation. Four patients with Iron Pill Inhalation Syndrome are described. All but one patient developed irreversible bronchial stenosis as late post inflammatory complication. Bronchoscopic features and clinical evolution are described in order to reduce the risk of severe side-effects in patients highly suspected for iron pill aspiration.

Tracheobronchial malignant stenosis is a life-threatening and challenging condition. In inoperable patients, a stent is the mainstay treatment to ensure ventilation. Here, we report the use of a fully covered standard conical self-expandable metallic stent as an emergency treatment for complex tracheobronchial malignant stenosis.

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Background: Bronchopleural fistulae represent a relatively rare complication of pulmonary resection. For inoperable patients, several endoscopic procedures have been described. In the presence of large and chronic bronchopleural fistulae, persistent air leaks require a surgical therapy, while endoscopic airway stent represents a useful palliative treatment. Objective: We describe the successful closure of large and chronic bronchopleural fistulae using an expandable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge and cyanoacrylate glue. Methods: In all patients, a rigid bronchoscope was used to insert a small cylinder of PVA sponge within the fistula. After releasing the patch, cyanoacrylate glue was applied directly on the PVA sponge using a channel catheter. This methodology induces an expansion of the clot and the closure of the air leak. The long-term outcome of treatment was checked by flexible bronchoscopy once every month for 3 months and every 6 months until 5 years. Results: We performed endoscopic treatment in 7 consecutive patients with bronchopleural fistula ranging from 4 to 8 mm. In 6 of 7 patients, the bronchial stump was the site of the fistula. In 1 patient, the fistula was visualized on the right wall of the distal trachea. A temporary complete occlusion of the fistula was achieved in 7 of 7 patients and a definitive result in 5 of 7 patients. Conclusions: The use of an expandable PVA sponge and cyanoacrylate glue is an available strategy for endobronchial closure of bronchopleural fistulae.

Background: The lobar airway stenting remains an endoscopic procedure not well standardized in patients with locally advanced lung cancer disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate technical feasibility, clinical outcome, and complications of different stents in patients with malignant lesions involving lobar bronchi, primary and secondary carina. Methods: Between November 2008 and October 2013, we retrospectively analyzed 146 patients with benign and malignant tracheobronchial stenosis who underwent airway stent insertion below main carina and main bronchi. Results: In all, 170 airway stenting procedures were performed on 146 patients. In all, 51 of them with malignant peripheral airway stenosis underwent stents placement below main carina. In all but one patient, the deployment of stents was successful with improvement of symptoms. The chest radiograph after the procedure detected the lung re-expansion in 29 of 51 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 123 days ± 157. Complications observed included stent migration, tumor overgrowth, infections, granulation tissue formation, and obstruction due to tenacious secretions. Longer survival was observed in patients who received additional treatment after airway stenting compared to those who did not (p <0.01). Conclusions: Stenting of lobar bronchi and primary or secondary carina is technically feasible, effective, and acceptably safe.

Our results confirm that, in selected cases, transbronchial rigid core biopsy could be considered a safe and valid alternative technique to more invasive surgical approach in the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases.

Tracheal resection and primary anastomosis is the treatment of choice for the management of benign tracheal stenoses. Rigid endoscopy with laser-assisted mechanical dilatation is an alternative to surgery and helps to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients unfit for surgery. Here, we describe the treatment of a simple web-like stenosis, using a new endoscopic hand drill that was assembled by sharpening the blunt tip of a standard endoscopic cotton applicator. The bronchoscopy was positioned proximally to the stenotic lesion and radial holes were made at 12, 3 and 9 o'clock. The tip of instrument touched the target area of the stenotic scar. The proximal end was handily rotated and the force, applied on the instrument's tip, and the hole was drilled. Next, endoscopic scissors was placed in the drill holes and the stenotic scar was cut. Mechanical dilatation with rigid bronchoscopes of increasing diameters completed the procedure. This procedure was successfully applied in 5 patients with simple benign tracheal stenosis and unfit for surgery. No intraoperative and/or postoperative complications occurred. No recurrence of stenosis was detected after a mean follow-up of 26 ± 2 months.