Endobronchial Watanabe spigot complementing prophylactic balloon blocker in the management of post-transbronchial cryobiopsy bleeding

Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is performed to aid diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, of which bleeding is a potentially life-threatening complication. Post-TBCB management involves temporary balloon blockade, bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) or surgery. Bronchial occlusion by endobronchia...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Larry Ellee Nyanti, Sze Shyang Kho, Swee Kim Chan, Chan Sin Chai, Siew Teck Tie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2022-12-01
Series:Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/20101058211019440
Description
Summary:Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is performed to aid diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, of which bleeding is a potentially life-threatening complication. Post-TBCB management involves temporary balloon blockade, bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) or surgery. Bronchial occlusion by endobronchial Watanabe spigot (EWS) as the definitive method of bleeding control post TBCB has not been described. A 56-year-old male underwent TBCB to aid diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. TBCB had been performed at RB4 (lateral segment of right middle lobe) with a prophylactic balloon blocker. However, prolonged bleeding was observed upon deflation of the balloon blocker. Haemostasis was secured with successful deployment of EWS into RB4, with no evidence of rebleeding in surveillance bronchoscopy and chest radiographs. EWS was kept in situ for four days and subsequently removed. The patient was discharged with good functional status. This case demonstrates that EWS placement may be considered for definitive management of low-volume post-TBCB bleeding, especially when BAE and surgical intervention are not possible.
ISSN:2059-2329