Rigid bronchoscopy is a procedure using a rigid metal tube to access the tracheobronchial tree. It allows excellent airway control, large-caliber instrumentation, and therapeutic interventions, often under general anesthesia.
Central airway lesions requiring biopsy
Foreign body removal
Massive hemoptysis control
Tumor debulking (endobronchial tumors)
Tracheal/bronchial stenosis (benign or malignant)
Stent placement
Balloon dilation
Cryotherapy, laser, electrocautery
Usually performed via flexible bronchoscopy, but can be done under rigid bronchoscopy for better airway control and safety.
Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs): ILDs, sarcoidosis
Sometimes for central airway lesions when larger biopsies are needed
General anesthesia (rigid scope often used for safety)
Flexible bronchoscope inserted through rigid tube
Cryoprobe (1.9/2.4 mm) placed in subsegmental bronchi
Freeze time: 4–6 seconds
Sample removed en bloc with bronchoscope (risk of bleeding)
Balloon blocker may be used to prevent hemorrhage
Malignant airway obstruction
Sometimes for Benign tumors (papillomas, carcinoids)
Sometimes for Palliative care for inoperable central tumors
Mechanical debulking (forceps, snare)
Cryotherapy: Tumor freezing and removal
Laser therapy (Nd:YAG): Tumor vaporization
Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC): Coagulation and devascularization
Electrocautery: Cutting/coagulating tumor tissue
Post-debulking stent placement if airway support is needed
Benign stenosis: post-intubation, post-tracheostomy
Malignant stenosis: extrinsic compression or tumor ingrowth