Introduction

摘要

This issue of Operative Techniques includes 2 articles on the vanishing techniques of rigid bronchoscopy and the removal of tracheobronchial stents. As the number of interventional pulmonologists has increased, fewer thoracic surgeons are involved in performing bronchoscopic procedures. This is unfortunate as the result is a lack of adequate training for our residents and an absence of thoracic surgeon input into the management of pathologies that affect the airway. Drs. Weiser and Murthy offer excellent technical articles on how to perform rigid bronchoscopy and also how to manage the retrieval of previously placed metallic tracheal stents. In addition, Dr. Murthy offers a very nice intraoperative video on his technique of stent removal. These important articles are required reading for thoracic surgeons who are managing all aspects of tracheobronchial disease, including advanced bronchoscopic techniques. Rigid and interventional bronchoscopic techniques as described in this issue are skills that the complete thoracic surgeon needs to possess, practice, and teach.