• Kamran Mahmood, Lindsy Frazer-Green, Anne V Gonzalez, Scott L Shofer, Angela Christine Argento, Ian Welsby, Russell Hales, Samira Shojaee, Donna D Gardner, Joe Y Chang, HerthFelix J FFJFDepartment of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, and Translational Lung Research Center (TLRCH), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany., and Lonny Yarmus.
• Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC. Electronic address: k.mahmood@duke.edu.
• Chest. 2024 Jul 18.

BackgroundCentral airway obstruction (CAO), seen in a variety of malignant and non-malignant airway disorders, is associated with a poor prognosis. The management of CAO is dependent on provider training and local resources, which may make the clinical approach and outcomes highly variable. We reviewed the current literature and provided evidence-based recommendations for the management of CAO.MethodsA multidisciplinary expert panel developed key questions using the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcomes) format and conducted a systematic literature search using MEDLINE (PubMed) and the Cochrane Library. The panel screened references for inclusion and used vetted evaluation tools to assess the quality of included studies and extract data, and graded the level of evidence supporting each recommendation. A modified Delphi technique was used to reach consensus on recommendations.ResultsA total of 9,688 abstracts were reviewed, 150 full-text articles were assessed, and 31 studies were included in the analysis. One good practice statement and 10 graded recommendations were developed. The overall certainty of evidence was very low.ConclusionsTherapeutic bronchoscopy can improve the symptoms, quality of life, and survival of patients with malignant and non-malignant CAO. Multi-modality therapeutic options, including rigid bronchoscopy with general anesthesia, tumor/tissue debridement, ablation, dilation, and stent placement, should be utilized when appropriate. Therapeutic options and outcomes are dependent on the underlying etiology of CAO. A multidisciplinary approach and shared decision-making with the patient are strongly encouraged.Copyright © 2024 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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