[High frequency diathermy--a new method in the treatment of malignant and benign stenosis of the airways].
High-frequency electrocautery is a relatively new method in the treatment of malignant or benign airway stenoses. We report on the results of 58 sessions in 41 patients (malignant condition n = 30, benign n = 11) within a three-year period. Various instruments were available for coagulation (blunt probe, knives of 4, 5 and 7 mm length, forceps and wire snare). 53/58 sessions were performed under general anaesthesia, energy was limited to 40 W with unlimited duration of pulses. The knives were the most frequently used devices, preferably with a length of 5 mm, which enabled us to either cut the tumour or scar tissue precisely slice by slice or to resect by direct coagulation. The use of the blunt probes and forceps was frequently rendered more difficult by detritus covering the instrument during coagulation. Polypes were easily resected with the wire snare, but this kind of tumour was found in four patients only. Major (> 100 ml) bleeding occurred in two patients. Obstructing fibrinous membranes were never seen after electrocautery. In conclusion, high-frequency electrocautery is an effective and safe method for endobronchial resection and can be considered a good alternative to the laser as the classical method for endobronchial resection.