Transbronchoscopic cryosurgery of respiratory structures: experimental and clinical studies.

Although resection is the only treatment proven effective for localized malignant tumors in the tracheobronchial tree, alternative methods for cure or control of unresectable or recurrent tumor should be explored. In 24 dogs, cryonecrosis of sizable portions of carina, main stem bronchi, first division bronchi, and lung parenchyma was well tolerated, and the necrosis was localized, reproducible, and followed by prompt healing of frozen tissue. The gross architecture of the bronchi was not permanently altered, and no strictures formed. Six patients with endobronchial tumors were treated transbronchoscopically with cryosurgery. All patients tolerated the procedures well, and there were no complications. Palliation was achieved in five of the six patients.