Argon Plasma Coagulation Combined with a Flexible Electronic Bronchoscope for Treating Foreign Body Granulation Tissues in Children's Deep Bronchi: Nine Case Reports

摘要

Deep bronchial obstruction in children caused by foreign bodies is a medical emergency frequently accompanied by the formation of granulation tissue in the airway mucosa, which is resected during removal of the foreign body. Argon plasma coagulation (APC), initially developed to achieve hemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding during endoscopic procedures, is also used for interventional bronchoscopic therapies of malignant airway tumors. In this pilot study, we describe successful alternative resections of granulation tissues during foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy through concomitant APC applications in 9 children aged from 16 months to 4 years old.