Abstract

FERREIRA, Diva; ALMEIDA, José; PARENTE, Bárbara  and  SA, João Moura e. Complete resection of endobronchial hamartomas via bronchoscopic techniques, electrosurgery by Argon plasma and laser . Rev Port Pneumol [online]. 2007, vol.13, n.5, pp.711-719. ISSN 0873-2159.

Hamartomas are benign neoplasms often located in lung and frequently asymptomatic. They are typically discovered incidentally with thorax radiographic studies. About 1.4-20% of hamartomas have endobronchial location and can be symptomatic due to airway obstruction. Traditionally, surgical resection has been considered the standard of care for endobronchial hamartoma. However, there is increasing experience using endoscopic treatment and a paucity of reported complications. Endoscopic ressection has comparable therapeutic efficacy with surgical ressection but spares a major operation. We report two cases of endobronchial hamartomas, each diagnosed and definitively treated with bronchoscopic techniques. Persistent symptoms and abnormal radiological features were the impetus for initial diagnostic bronchoscopy. Endobronchial treatment was performed using electrosurgery by Argon plasma (APC) and Nd:YAG laser. This approach resulted in complete resolution of both patients‘ symptoms. Follow-up bronchoscopic examinations excluded residual or recurrent disease.

Keywords : Endobronchial hamartomas; bronchoscopy; electrosurgery with Argon plasma; Nd:YAG laser.

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