The role of endobronchial electrocautery in the management of malignant airway obstruction.

Bronchoscopy has evolved well beyond a simple look-see examination, with new interventional techniques becoming more commonly employed. So-called interventional bronchoscopy implies the use of bronchoscopy as a therapeutic, in addition to diagnostic, tool. We present 2 cases to illustrate the utility of one such interventional technique, tumour ablation by endobronchial electrocautery and snaring, in the management of airway obstruction by tumour. This procedure, performed via a flexible bronchoscope under local anaesthesia can spare patients time-consuming, expensive treatments with their attendant morbidity, and in some cases can be life-saving. There is minimal morbidity associated with this technique. It is anticipated that interventional bronchoscopy will continue to revolutionise management of such conditions in the future, and become a necessary facility in all pulmonary medicine units.