Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of argon plasma coagulation for resecting central airway obstructive lesions via the flexible bronchoscope under local anesthesia. Methods Endobronchial therapy with APC300 made by ERBE in Germany was performed via flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia for patients with central airway obstructive lesions. Results Between November 2003 and June 2006, 31 patients with 38 lesions received 71 APC procedures. Efficacy rates were 90% of cases with benign tumor, granulation and cicatricial tissue formation, 53.8% of cases with malignant tumor. efficacy rates were 77% of lesions in tracheal, 62% of lesions in main stem bronchi and bronchus intermedius; 50% of lesions in lobe bronchi. These patients in bad health and/or with large central airway lesions may not bear APC procedures. Conclusion APC is an effective and safe method to resect part small central airway obstructive lesions, especially those benign lesions in big airway.

Key words: argon plasma coagulation, bronchoscopy, central airway obstruction