Flexible bronchoscopy interventional therapy for central airway stenosis after resection of endobronchial schwannoma: a case report.

Background: Schwannoma is a rare benign tumor of peripheral nerves, particularly in the bronchus. There are rarely reports on the treatment for airway stenosis caused by schwannoma. Currently, there is also no consensus among experts or clinical guidelines regarding how to treat complications arising from airway stenosis after resection of central bronchial schwannoma. There have been no reports on the use of flexible bronchoscopy for treating airway stenosis caused by resection of bronchial schwannoma. Case Description: An 11-year-old pediatric patient with a history of schwannoma resection presented with recurrent cough and wheezing. Initially diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, the patient was discharged after 16 days of intensive antimicrobial and antiasthmatic therapy, showing marked symptomatic improvement. However, respiratory symptoms recurred the following day, and despite aggressive medical management, persistent and progressive dyspnea developed. Comprehensive clinical evaluation led to interventional bronchoscopy, which revealed and successfully removed suture remnants via holmium laser ablation. Over the subsequent 1-year follow-up period, the patient underwent 17 additional bronchoscopic procedures, including laser ablation, electrocautery, forceps debridement, balloon dilation, and cryotherapy, resulting in sustained resolution of respiratory symptoms and complete clinical recovery. Conclusions: This case demonstrates that interventional treatment for airway stenosis resulting from schwannoma resection using flexible bronchoscopy is safe and effective and should be promoted.