To investigate the operation, safety and efficacy of transbronchoscopic balloon dilatation in the treatment of benign central airway stenosis.

Sixty-seven patients with benign central airway stenosis treated in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Dazhou Central Hospital from June 2014 to June 2018 were selected. Among them, 61 patients presented tuberculous stenosis and 6 patients showed traumatic tracheal stenosis. Balloon dilatation was carried out for the patients with benign airway stenosis induced by different causes, and other interventional therapies such as cryotherapy were combined if necessary. After the treatment, shortness of breath was scored, and KPS score, pulmonary function (FEV₁), degree of tracheal stenosis and the occurrence of complications were evaluated.

All the patients underwent balloon dilatation and cryotherapy under a bronchoscope. Among the 67 patients, a total of 324 times of balloon dilatation were performed. After balloon dilatation, enlarged inner diameter, increased score for shortness of breath, and relieved symptoms were observed in bronchial tubes with stenosis in a short term. Patients with airway widening and scarring stenosis after balloon dilatation were followed up, revealing re-scar contracture and re-stenosis after airway widening in 18 patients. In all the patients, balloon dilatation caused chest pain in 12 patients, slight mucosal tear in 2 patients, and no severe side effects.

Transbronchoscopic balloon dilatation in the treatment of benign central airway stenosis presents good short-term efficacy. However, the long-term efficacy needs further evaluation.