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Neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd : YAG) laser resection is one of the mostly used interventional pulmonology techniques for urgent desobstruction of malignant central airway obstruction (CAO). The major aim of this trial was to evaluate potential influence of Nd : YAG laser resection on overall quality of life (QoL) in patients with central lung cancer. Patients with malignant CAO scheduled for Nd : YAG laser resection were prospectively recruited in the trial. All patients were given European Organization for Research and Treatment, Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-30 v.3) before the procedure and approximately 2 weeks after the treatment. There were 37 male and 10 female patients, average age 54 ± 10 years. Most common tumour type was adenocarcinoma diagnosed in 51% of patients. Majority of patients were diagnosed in stage IIIB (53.2%) and stage IV (25.5%). Most common Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was 1 (72.3%). Nd : YAG laser resection significantly improved (P<0.0001) QoL and overall health according to EORTC QLQ-30. However, in some of the questions dealing with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, family life, social activities and financial situation, we did not observe statistically significant improvement. Nd : YAG laser resection of malignant CAO significantly improves QoL and overall health in patients with lung cancer., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In recent years interventional pulmonology techniques have found their place in the palliative treatment of lung cancer invading central airways (trachea and principal bronchi). The curative effect of interventional techniques is reported in a number of studies with very different success ratios, but with excellent potential and perspective. Increase in number and variety of these techniques led to the development of internationally accepted guidelines for their use. The choice of a specific interventional technique in the treatment of lung cancer patients with central airway obstruction (CAO) depends on several factors: patient's general condition and comorbidities, type and characteristics of airway stenosis, availability of techniques and trained personnel. The aim of this review was to introduce interventional pulmonology procedures aimed at urgent desobstruction of central airways obstruction to medical oncologists who are dealing with the problem of malignant CAO. We tried to emphasize indications, contraindications, technique procedure and possible complications in the treatment of malignant CAO. At the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina Nd: YAG laser resection, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation and metallic and silicone stent insertions for immediate treatment of malignant CAO are practised.