Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of Bronchoscopic cryotechniques in lung neoplasms: A literature review

Bronchoscopic cryotechniques have been used since the mid-20th century, initially for therapeutic purposes. Subsequent modifications in the technology led to the emergence of a new biopsy method, which became part of the diagnostic process of various lung diseases. Transbronchial cryobiopsy is widely used for the diagnosis of patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Due to the lower risk of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and reduced costs, it is a reasonable alternative to surgical lung biopsy. The role of cryobiopsy is also increasing in patients with central and peripheral lung tumors, although there are still significant variations in technical protocols between different centers.