Monitoring
Although the role of routine bronchoscopy following central airway obstruction therapy is an area of debate, there is no doubt that close follow-up is required for all patients to identify problems (e.g., the complications of airway stents) at an early stage. Re-evaluation is usually undertaken at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks with flexible bronchoscopy, evaluation of symptomatology, imaging (chest x-ray or computed tomography), and flow-volume loop measurement, to ensure improvement.[140] The American College of Chest Physicians recommends that for patients with stent placement, bronchoscopy should be either undertaken through routine surveillance or when patients are symptomatic.[60]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer