Abstract: Objective To evaluate the efficacy, indications and the possible side effects of sequential therapy of endobronchial tuberculosis by argon plasma coagulation and cryotherapy.  Methods Thirty-six patients with endobronchial tuberculosis that were diagnosed by acid-fast stain and culture of sputum(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid), radiology, bronchoscopy and pathology were studied. Sequential therapy by argon plasma coagulation and cryotherapy were performed on the basis of antituberculosis chemotherapy. Efficacy and complication were assessed and followed up after the sequential therapy.  Results Efficacy was assessed by symptoms, physical signs, radiology and bronchoscopy. Thirty-six patients with endobronchial tuberculosis were treated 4±2 times by the sequential therapy. The significant improvement rate was 66.7%(24/36 patients), the clinical effective rate was 27.8%(10/36 patients), the light effective rate was 5.6%(2/36 patients). Severe adverse effects have not found in all the patients.  Conclusions The sequential therapy by argon plasma coagulation and cryotherapy could rapidly relieve clinical symptoms and inhibit efficiently granulation. The sequential therapy by argon plasma coagulation and cryotherapy is an effective and safe method of treatment in patients with endobronchial tuberculosis.

Key words: tuberculosis,bronchi/therapy, argon, cryotherapy