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Masahiko Harada



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    P1.12 - Pulmonology/Endoscopy (ID 698)

    • Event: WCLC 2017
    • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
    • Track: Pulmonology/Endoscopy
    • Presentations: 1
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      P1.12-006 - The Efficacy of Electrocautery Using Wire Snare as the Primary Ablation Modality for Malignant and Benign Airway Obstruction (ID 9742)

      09:30 - 16:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Masahiko Harada

      • Abstract

      Background:
      Endobronchial electrocautery has not been studied extensively, but a growing experience has demonstrated that, similar to laser, it can achieve high success rates for the relief of central airway obstruction with favorable safety profile. In our institution, we use electrocautery rather than laser as the first-line heat therapy for central airway obstruction. In this study we reviewed our experience with electrocautery using wire snare with focus on its efficacy and safety.

      Method:
      A retrospective review of all patients undergoing endobronchial electrocautery using wire snare alone at our institution between 2010 and 2015. Data on efficacy (luminal patency, symptomatic, radiographic, or physiologic improvement) and safety (time, bleeding, complication rate) were collected.

      Result:
      Five patients underwent electrocautery procedure with wire snare. Of these, 4 patients had malignances (4 metastatic tumors; 1 lung, 1 colon, 1 renal, 1 melanoma) and 1 had benign (1 schwannoma). The snare wire was used as a biopsy technique for all patients, and resulted in the establishment of a diagnosis. Endoscopic improvement was seen in 100% of patients. Eighty percent of patients reported symptomatic improvement. Radiographic examination revealed luminal improvement in 100%. There have been no major complications while utilizing the wire snare, whereas minor bleeding was occurred in 1 patient who was needed extra procedure by blunt cautery probe for hemostasis. Mean procedure time was 31min.

      Conclusion:
      Endobronchial electrocautery using snare probe is effective and safe when used as an ablative modality in malignant and benign airway obstruction for selected patients. Compare to laser, this procedure may be equally effective and safe with significantly lower equipment cost. Further study such as well-designed prospective trial comparing laser and electrocautery is necessary to establish the appropriate role of each modality in the treatment of central airway obstruction.