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The results of 424 biopsies obtained at fibrobronchoscopy (FBS) from 45 patients with inhalation trauma (IT) are presented. The standard and endoscopic laser treatment (ELT) have been used (24 and 21 patients, respectively). It is demonstrated that precise visual assessment of IT severity is possible under dynamic endoscopic observation only. Healing of mucous defects of the tracheo-bronchial tree was shorter in the ELT group. Morphologically, early and continuous ELT was not associated with signs of severe purulent inflammation and, therefore, produced no early additional, damage to the wall. This may explain accelerated formation of the granulation tissue at the ulcer bottom and epithelization at the margin areas.

The treatment of patients with burn injuries of the tracheobronchial tree is a pressing problem today, because of rather high prevalence of this injury and high mortality (90%). Clinical signs during the first 24 h do not allow evaluating the severity of the injury. Based on analysis of case histories of 24 patients, the authors sum up results of complex examinations including fibrobronchoscopy, microbiological, and histological studies. Fibrobronchoscopy precisely showed the degree and extension of airway involvement in burn injuries, while accessory microbiological and histological studies help timely predict the development of pyoseptic complications. Endoscopic methods of therapy promote a more rapid reduction of inflammation and healing of erosive ulcerative involvement of the tracheobronchial mucosa.