Endoscopic management of airway complications after lung transplantation. 2001

M S Mulligan
Lung Transplant Program, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Airway complications remain a source of significant morbidity after lung transplantation. The current incidence of such complications is 12% to 15%. The associated mortality is 2% to 3%. Extensive necrosis and anastomotic dehiscence have become rare, but granulation tissue accumulation, stenosis, and bronchomalacia persist. The major factors that increase the risk for such complications are those that aggravate anastomotic ischemia. Because blood flow to the donor main-stem bronchus is derived from collateral circulation from the pulmonary arteries, minimizing pulmonary inflammation, optimizing pulmonary blood flow, and limiting exposure to positive pressure ventilation are important considerations. Attention to organ preservation techniques and perioperative management is critically important. Controversy remains regarding the optimal anastomotic technique, but properly done, end-to-end anastomosis is readily reproducible and is associated with a low incidence of complications. Attempts to restore the bronchial circulation surgically are not associated with significant reductions in airway complications. Similarly, the routine use of vascularized soft tissue reinforcement no longer seems justified. Most complications can be managed readily with a combination of endoscopic techniques, including débridement (with or without laser or cryotherapy), dilation, and stent placement. Resective procedures rarely are indicated, and retransplantation should be reserved for exceptional cases.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009336 Necrosis The death of cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury or failure of the blood supply.
D011183 Postoperative Complications Pathologic processes that affect patients after a surgical procedure. They may or may not be related to the disease for which the surgery was done, and they may or may not be direct results of the surgery. Complication, Postoperative,Complications, Postoperative,Postoperative Complication
D001980 Bronchi The larger air passages of the lungs arising from the terminal bifurcation of the TRACHEA. They include the largest two primary bronchi which branch out into secondary bronchi, and tertiary bronchi which extend into BRONCHIOLES and PULMONARY ALVEOLI. Primary Bronchi,Primary Bronchus,Secondary Bronchi,Secondary Bronchus,Tertiary Bronchi,Tertiary Bronchus,Bronchi, Primary,Bronchi, Secondary,Bronchi, Tertiary,Bronchus,Bronchus, Primary,Bronchus, Secondary,Bronchus, Tertiary
D001982 Bronchial Diseases Diseases involving the BRONCHI. Bronchial Disease,Disease, Bronchial,Diseases, Bronchial
D001999 Bronchoscopy Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the bronchi. Bronchoscopic Surgical Procedures,Surgical Procedures, Bronchoscopic,Bronchoscopic Surgery,Surgery, Bronchoscopic,Bronchoscopic Surgeries,Bronchoscopic Surgical Procedure,Bronchoscopies,Surgeries, Bronchoscopic,Surgical Procedure, Bronchoscopic
D002357 Cartilage Diseases Pathological processes involving the chondral tissue (CARTILAGE). Chondromalacia,Cartilage Disease,Chondromalacias
D003251 Constriction, Pathologic The condition of an anatomical structure's being constricted beyond normal dimensions. Stenosis,Stricture,Constriction, Pathological,Pathologic Constriction,Constrictions, Pathologic,Pathologic Constrictions,Pathological Constriction,Stenoses,Strictures
D006097 Granulation Tissue A vascular connective tissue formed on the surface of a healing wound, ulcer, or inflamed tissue. It consists of new capillaries and an infiltrate containing lymphoid cells, macrophages, and plasma cells. Granulation Tissues,Tissue, Granulation,Tissues, Granulation
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000402 Airway Obstruction Any hindrance to the passage of air into and out of the lungs. Choking,Airway Obstructions,Obstruction, Airway,Obstructions, Airway

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