Abstract: Objective To evaluate the value of balloon dilation in the treatment of tuberculous tracheo-bronchial stenosis. Methods Balloon brochoplasty transbronchoscope was performed (1 times every week) with fluoroscopic guidance 3 times in 15 patients with tracheobronchial stenosis after clinical evaluation and functional evaluation of lung. The cases with multiple stenosis used the method of segments dilation. The situation of airway opening immediately, short-term effect and functional improvement of lung were evaluated. Results Balloon brochoplasty was performed with fluoroscopic guidance 50 times in 15 patients (average 3.3 times each patient) . The rate of airway opening immediately was 90.6% , the airway diameter after dilation showed significant difference with that before dilation (t= 6.7830, P＜ 0.05) , pulmonary function showed obvious improvement after dilation (t=5.1527, P＜ 0.05) . The rate of restenosis after 6 months was 18% , and self-expanding metal stents were used in 4 patients with tracheobronchial stenosis. Conclusion balloon dilation has better effect on fiber scar tracheobronchial stenosis. The granulation tracheobronchial stenosis should be dilated several times and could be used in conjunction with other methods. Treatment of tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis with balloon dilation might be a better interventional method to open airway and improve pulmonary function.

Key words: Balloon dilation, Tracheabronchial stenosis, Bronchoscope