Bronchoscopic features and bronchoscopic intervention for endobronchial hamartoma

Abstract

Bronchoscopic intervention appears to be a safe and effective method to resect endobronchial hamartomas.

Pulmonary Hamartomas: A Report of 13 Parenchymal and Endobronchial Cases

“…Gjevre et al (2) found that the tumors had a slight lower lobe predilection, which is consistent with our study. Pulmonary hamartomas can be parenchymal or endobronchial in location (4,7,8). Endobronchial group account for 1-20% of all pulmonary hamartomas (3, 4), but a higher incidence was found in our series.…”

“…Hansen et al (12) observed that preoperative diagnosis from transthoracic needle aspiration could be obtained in 85% of the patients with pulmonary hamartoma. Bronchoscopic forceps biopsies may especially be diagnostic in patients with endobronchial hamartoma (4,8). In our series, diagnosis was established by bronchoscopic biopsy in three patients with endobronchial hamartoma and by surgical procedures in the remaining 10 patients.…”

“…These tumors are predominantly composed of cartilage. Other components include fibromyxoid connective tissue, fat, bone, and smooth muscle (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Most tumors of the tracheabronchial tree are malignant.…”

“…Only the tumors located deeply in the parenchyma or endobronchial lesions necessitate more extensive procedures such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy (3,5). Bronchoscopic procedures such as rigid forceps, laser resection, cryotherapy, and snaring are safe and effective therapeutic options for selected patients with endobronchial hamartoma (4,(13)(14)(15). In our experience, three of four endobronchal hamartomas were treated via bronchoscopic procedures.…”

“…Even with the advances in medical therapy, bronchoscopic interventions and surgical methods currently remain the most important treatment modalities in patients with pulmonary hamartoma (3,4,7,8,(13)(14)(15). However, indication and timing of surgery are still controversial.…”