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Interventional pulmonology is a specialised field within pulmonary medicine. This industry uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat various lung and airway disorders. Such alternatives to conventional surgery allow patients to enjoy quicker healing and reduced complications.
Synopsis
Key Procedures in Interventional Pulmonology
1. Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy uses a bronchoscope. This is a slim tube that inspects the lungs through the airways.
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Flexible Bronchoscopy: This is frequently used to diagnose lung illnesses through biopsies, identify infections, or eliminate obstructions. A pliable tube is utilised and typically carried out under local anaesthesia accompanied by sedation.
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Rigid Bronchoscopy: It includes an inflexible tube and is utilised in serious situations, like controlling major airway blockages or profuse bleeding. Typically, general anaesthesia is necessary for this procedure.
2. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
EBUS is a technique that combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound to see structures surrounding the airways. Sampling lymph nodes or masses near the airways is especially valuable for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.
3. Navigational Bronchoscopy
This sophisticated method utilises imaging technologies such as CT scans to direct the bronchoscope to hard-to-access parts of the lungs. It is frequently used for the biopsy or treatment of small lung lesions on the outer edges that can't be easily reached with regular bronchoscopy.
4. Thoracoscopy (Pleuroscopy)
Thoracoscopy is a procedure where a small camera is used to observe the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall. It aids in identifying issues such as pleural effusions and carrying out treatments like pleurodesis, which manages repetitive fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity.
5. Balloon Dilation and Stenting
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Balloon Dilation: This method uses a balloon to expand constricted air passages, facilitating breathing.
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Airway Stenting: Involves inserting stents to maintain open airways, particularly beneficial for tracheal or bronchial stenosis (narrowing).
6. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy employs intense cold to eliminate abnormal tissues. Freezing and removing problematic tissue is a successful method for treating airway tumours, clearing obstructions, or controlling bleeding.
7. Thermal Ablation
Electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation (APC), and laser therapy are popular methods. It can eliminate or decrease airway blockages from tumours or other growths.
8. Bronchial Thermoplasty
This is a therapy for severe asthma. It heats the muscle bulk in the airways to melt and remove them. The risk of narrowed air passages is also decreased with this process. This, in turn, lessens asthma symptoms.
9. Endobronchial Valves
These are tiny gadgets inserted into the air passages. It stops the air from reaching unhealthy sections of the lung. As a result, the healthier regions can perform more effectively. They are often useful for patients with advanced emphysema to improve lung performance.
Consult our pulmonologist in Jayanagar if you require interventional pulmonology procedures for treating lung issues.
Indications for Interventional Pulmonology: When Do You Need?
Interventional pulmonology procedures can be recommended for various conditions. This includes:
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Diagnosing lung cancer
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Managing central airway obstruction
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Treating benign and malignant airway diseases
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Persistent pleural effusions
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Managing severe asthma
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Treating recurrent pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
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Managing complicated lung infections
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Treating haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
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Treating emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Advantages
Interventional pulmonology procedures come with several benefits.
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Minimally Invasive: These procedures are less invasive than conventional operations.
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Shorter Recovery Times: Patients recover quickly.
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Reduced Risk of Complications: The risks of complications are way lower than those of invasive procedures.
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Targeted Treatments: These interventions are directed towards the affected regions only.
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Outpatient Basis: This process can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients do not need to stay in the hospital for a prolonged time.
Risks and Considerations
Interventional pulmonology procedures are generally considered safe. However, being a medical procedure, certain risks are involved. For example:
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Bleeding: Especially during or after biopsies.
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Infection: Especially at the operation site.
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Pneumothorax: Risk of lung collapse.
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Anaesthesia-Related Complications: Possible anaesthetic reactions.
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Airway Perforation: Airway puncture. However, this is quite rare.
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Post-Procedural Pain or Discomfort: Some discomfort post-procedure.
Consult our pulmonology hospital in Jayanagar if you need Interventional Pulmonology Services.
Future Directions
Interventional pulmonology is constantly evolving. Innovations like robotic bronchoscopy and cutting-edge imaging techniques are making revolutions in the field. These advancements enhance the accuracy and efficacy of these procedures.
For the best possible treatment option, consult an expert pulmonologist. Book your consultation at Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore.
FAQ's
Interventional pulmonology can treat a range of conditions. This includes lung cancer, severe asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, airway obstructions, and pleural effusions.
Most interventional pulmonology procedures are minimally invasive. They are mostly performed under anaesthesia. This ensures patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may occur afterwards but is usually manageable.
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and individual factors. However, most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two. This is especially applicable for a flexible bronchoscopy. If the procedure is extensive, you may need longer to recover.
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