Abstract:
Objective :To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endobronchial brachytherapy for ma-lignant airway obstruction with
125I seeds.
Methods :Patients with malignant atelectasis underwent en-dobronchial brachytherapy with
125I seeds implanted via cricothyroid membrane puncture that werethen suspended in the airway, guided by fibreoptic bronchoscopy.The treatment time was threemonths.
Results :Of the 9 cases, 4 patients got complete relief, making the effective rate 44%. Cough,hemoptysis and chest pain occurred in 5 patients. Complications such as inflammatory granuloma inthe neck and laryngeal malaise occurred in 2 patients and 1 patient, respectively.
Conclusion :Endo-bronchial brachytherapy with
125I seeds for cancerous atelectasis is simple, safe and effective.