Novel use of hot biopsy forceps for removal of tracheobronchial stent-related granulation tissue

Abstract

Patients with malignant central airway obstruction often present with dyspnea and sometimes with frank respiratory failure. Airway stenting has become a routine modality in the management of these patients. A correctly placed airway stent will give good relief in dyspnea and respiratory failure and will even improve the patient's ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance score. The common complications associated with stents are migration, fracture, infection, and obstruction by tumors, granulation tissue, and secretions. These complications are more pronounced with metallic stents. Surveillance bronchoscopy should ideally be done in these patients at least 4–6 weeks post-stent insertion. Removal of granulation tissue has been attempted with modalities like lasers, Argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, and snare electrocautery. Here, we present a novel case of post-stent granulation tissue, which was removed and debulked with the help of electrocoagulation bronchoscopy biopsy forceps (hot biopsy forceps). Conclusion Hot biopsy forceps can be safely and easily used for the removal of granulation tissue in patients post-tracheobronchial stent insertion.