Application value of fibro-bronchoscopic cryosurgery combined with medication in the treatment of tracheobronchial tuberculosis

Study Overview

This study looked at a new treatment for tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB), combining a procedure called fibro-bronchoscopic cryosurgery with medication. The goal was to see if this approach could help patients more effectively compared to standard treatment alone.

Methods

In this research, 96 patients diagnosed with TBTB were split into two groups. One group received only the usual medication, while the other group also had the new procedure added to their treatment. Researchers then compared how well both groups responded to treatment after six months.

Results

After six months:

The group that had cryosurgery showed better overall results (P = 0.013).
They also had a higher rate of negative test results for the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (P = 0.014).
More patients in this group saw their lesions heal (P = 0.003).

However, both groups had similar rates of inflammation and granulation growth. The cryosurgery group did better in healing ulcers and reducing scarring. Importantly, there were no significant differences in side effects between the two groups.

After twelve months, the benefits of cryosurgery continued to show, with much higher effectiveness in the study group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using fibro-bronchoscopic cryosurgery along with standard medication can significantly improve treatment outcomes for TBTB patients without increasing side effects.

Opportunities for Clinical Application

Based on these findings, clinics can:

Set measurable goals for patient recovery using this combined treatment.
Consider implementing pilot projects to track success rates and patient feedback.
Explore AI tools that can enhance treatment management and patient monitoring.