2026 Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 180-185
Introduction: Rigid bronchoscopy is a valuable tool for airway interventions. However, its use is limited in Japan owing to the procedure's infrequency and the challenges of acquiring and maintaining proficiency. Although our current team initially had no specialists experienced in airway intervention, increasing requests for airway stenting from other departments prompted us to establish the necessary infrastructure to provide these procedures.
Technical Report: Before implementation, staff underwent training in rigid bronchoscopy techniques, simulation using three-dimensional image reconstruction, and comprehensive consultation with anesthesiologists. For the initial procedure, a physician experienced in rigid bronchoscopy was invited to perform the procedure while the team observed via audiovisual aids. Subsequent procedures were performed independently with ongoing training. Between January 2023 and December 2025, seven airway interventions were performed using rigid bronchoscopy. These included four patients who underwent stent placement for fistulas, two patients with tumor-related stenosis treated with core out and stent placement, and one patient who received hemostasis for airway bleeding. All procedures were completed without complications, leading to improvements in respiratory and systemic status.
Conclusions: Rigid bronchoscopy can be safely introduced for various indications, even by a team with limited prior experience, when implemented through a structured, stepwise approach with meticulous planning and preparation.
