[Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation therapy for bronchial carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation therapy on bronchial carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-one bronchial carcinoma patients were diagnosed by bronchoscope and pathological tests, with or without atelectasis or obstructive pneumonia on chest X-ray or chest CT. Argon plasma coagulation therapy was performed through bronchoscope. The location of the airway lesions, the degree of obstruction, dyspnea index, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The patients with bronchial carcinoma were treated 1-4 times by bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation therapy. Full effectiveness was achieved in 15 patients (48.4 %), partial in 12 (38.7 %), and mild in the other 4 (12.9 %). The overall effective rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation therapy for bronchial carcinoma can remarkably reduce the tumor size, relieve clinical symptoms, and alleviate the obstruction caused by bronchial neoplasm. Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation therapy is an effective and safe method for patients with bronchial carcinoma.