Advanced Lung Cancer Treatment with Bronchoscopic Cryotherapy
Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is an advanced medical technique used in the treatment of cancerous lung tumours. It works by flash-freezing the cells of the tumour and thawing them very quickly. This forms extra- and intra-cellular ice crystals which cause quick cell death. This is a non-invasive outpatient procedure. This is advantageous because the patients recovery time is low. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The bronchoscope is inserted slowly through the mouth and into the required location in the lungs. A cryoprobe is the inserted and positioned as required. Once in contact with the tumour cells, the cryoprobe is activated for 3 to 6 seconds, resulting in quick freezing of the tumour cells. The frozen cells stick to the probe and can quickly be broken off and removed from the body. This procedure is used to biopsy tumours in the lungs and its surrounding membranes as well.
Cryotherapy is a technique used to kill cancer cells by freezing them. In this context, it is also known as cryosurgery or cryoablation. This technique is usually used on metastatic cancers, where the condition is quite advanced. It is also suggested to patients who are not strong enough for surgical tumour removal procedures.
Cryotherapy works through the mechanism of extra- and intracellular ice crystals which damage organelles and cause transcellular fluid shifts. This results in cell death. Lower temperatures (as low as -40 degrees C) and a very quick freeze rate (about -100 degrees C per minute) make this process efficient, achieving about 90% targeted cell death.
Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is a cutting-edge technique used in the treatment of lung cancers. It is a technique that is employed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes during a bronchoscopy, an endoscopic procedure in which a tiny camera is inserted into the lungs for a visual exam. During the bronchoscopy, a specialised cryoprobe is inserted into the lungs. The tip of this probe rapidly freezes the cells it is placed in contact with. Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is an out-patient procedure, and the patient can be discharged a few hours after the procedure is completed and anaesthesia has worn off. Some patients may be kept overnight for observation, as per the pulmonologist’s instructions.
The Bronchoscopic cryotherapy procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The patient will be advised to avoid eating for about 6 hours before the procedure. The patient is changed into a hospital gown and then led to the procedure room. The patient is injected with a general anaesthetic through a vein in the arm. The patient will be unconscious throughout the procedure and will not feel any pain or discomfort. A long, thin tube called a bronchoscope is first inserted into the throat and airway through the mouth. The bronchoscope is also coated with an anaesthetic gel. It is guided carefully through the trachea and placed into the desired position. A flexible video-bronchoscope is then inserted through the bronchoscope barrel to provide visual data during the procedure.
A specialised cryoprobe is then inserted into the working channel of the bronchoscope. This is done under the guidance of fluoroscopy. The tip of the cryoprobe is guided to the site of the lung tumour. The tip is placed in contact with the tumour cells and then activated for 3 to 6 seconds, rapidly freezing the tumour cells. The cryoprobe is then retracted and the cells are allowed to rapidly thaw. This procedure is repeated for the various sections of the tumour. The destroyed tumour cells are then removed and suctioned out through the bronchoscope. These can also be used for further studies, like a biopsy.
After the procedure, the bronchoscope is re-inserted to make sure there is no damage to surrounding lung tissue. The patient is kept under observation in a recovery room. A chest X-ray may be done 2 hours after the procedure to check for a pneumothorax or a collapsed lung. If there are no complications from the procedure and the patient is in good health, they may be discharged the same day.
The following are the different variations of the Bronchoscopic Cryotherapy procedure:
Cryo-lung biopsy – This is a new diagnostic technique to obtain lung tissue samples for biopsy purposes. This procedure is advantageous because larger tissue samples can be obtained from the lungs with fewer side effects than conventional surgical lung biopsies. This technique is useful in identifying several types of interstitial lung disease too.
Cryo-pleural biopsy – Cryo-pleural biopsy is a procedure done to obtain samples of the pleura, thin layers of tissue that cover the lungs and the interior of the chest cavity. This procedure is performed using a pleuroscope and the cryoprobe.
Cryo-debulking of lung tumours – Large lung tumours can obstruct the airway and make it difficult for the patient to breathe. Cryotherapy can be used to diminish the size of these tumours. Flexible bronchoscopes are guided the the location of the tumour. Then the tumour is frozen and broken down using the cryoprobe. The bulk of the tumour is removed this way, easing the patient’s breathlessness.
Cryo-extraction of foreign bodies – Foreign bodies such as food particles, tablets or other solid particles can get stuck in the lungs and cause breathing obstructions. These obstacles can be removed using the bronchoscope and cryoprobe.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk involved. Your pulmonologist will discuss these with you in detail and answer any questions you may have. Some of the risks associated with bronchoscope cryotherapy are:
In summary, bronchoscopic cryotherapy represents a pioneering approach to the treatment of lung tumors, offering patients a non-invasive option with quicker recovery times. At Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, we are dedicated to utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology to provide our patients with the best possible care. Our team of experienced specialists is committed to guiding you through every step of your treatment journey. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support your health and recovery.
What is bronchoscopic cryotherapy?
It is a procedure that uses a cryoprobe through a bronchoscope to freeze and remove lung tumors.
How does cryotherapy work?
Cryotherapy works by rapidly freezing tumor cells, creating ice crystals that damage and kill the cells.
How is the bronchoscopic cryotherapy procedure performed?
The patient is given general anesthesia, and a bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth into the lungs. A cryoprobe then freezes the tumor cells for 3 to 6 seconds before they are removed.
What types of cryotherapy procedures are available?
Options include cryo-lung biopsy, cryo-pleural biopsy, cryo-debulking of lung tumors, and cryo-extraction of foreign bodies.
What are the benefits of bronchoscopic cryotherapy?
It is a non-invasive procedure with a quick recovery time, making it a good option for patients who are not strong enough for traditional surgery.
What are the risks associated with bronchoscopic cryotherapy?
Possible risks include coughing, sore throat, mild fever, bleeding, a collapsed lung, low oxygen levels, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
Comments
0 comment