Analysis of the surgical treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB)

Purpose Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is defined as tuberculosis infection of the tracheobronchial tree. EBTB may require aggressive treatment, including lung resection, because of severe bronchostenosis and its complications, despite formal anti-TB chemotherapy. We present our experience of treating 25 patients with EBTB. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 25 patients with EBTB treated between 2002 and 2012 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery in Beijing Chest Hospital. Results All 25 patients (5 male, 20 female) underwent surgery for fibrostenotic type EBTB. Bronchoscopy showed fibrostenotic change in all patients and a cough was the most common symptom. Postoperatively, all patients were given anti-TB therapy to take for 6–9 months. Conclusions EBTB tends to occur at a higher incidence in young women. Surgery may be required for severe bronchostenosis and its complications and should be performed for symptomatic fibrostenotic type EBTB. During the operation, attention should be paid to prevent severe complications and postoperative anti-TB therapy is mandatory.