The Art of Rigid Bronchoscopy and Airway Stenting

Interventional pulmonology has grown significantly over the last 2 decades and is now seen as an essential component in thoracic oncology care. The rigid bronchoscope occupies a central role in this specialty and offers many important advantages over the flexible scope when performing therapeutic procedures on central airways. Although stenting practices have evolved, it is generally accepted that stents offer an important treatment option for selected patients with benign and malignant airway diseases. This article discusses rigid bronchoscopy and stenting, future challenges, complications of the procedure and stents, and future directions.