[Complete resection of endobronchial hamartomas via bronchoscopic techniques, electrosurgery by Argon plasma and laser]

Abstract

Hamartomas are benign neoplasms often located in lung and frequently asymptomatic. They are typically discovered incidentally with thorax radiographic stu- dies. 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 resection has comparable therapeutic efficacy with surgical resection 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 la- ser. This approach resulted in complete resolution of both patients' symptoms. Follow-up bronchoscopic examinations excluded residual or recurrent disease.