Endobronchial Stent Insertion to Manage Hemoptysis caused by Lung Cancer

• Published in: Journal of Korean medical science Vol. 25; no. 8; pp. 1253 - 1255
• Main Authors: Chung, In Hee, Park, Mi-hyun, Kim, Doh Hyung, Jeon, Gyeong Sik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences 01.08.2010; 대한의학회
• Subjects: Bronchi; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - complications; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - therapy; Case Report; Hemoptysis - diagnostic imaging; Hemoptysis - etiology; Hemoptysis - therapy; Humans; Intubation; Lung Neoplasms - complications; Lung Neoplasms - therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Palliative Care; Stents; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; 의학일반; Stents; Hemoptysis
• ISSN: 1011-8934; 1598-6357; 1598-6357
• DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2010.25.8.1253

Hemoptysis in patients with lung cancer is not uncommon and sometimes have dangerous consequences. Hemoptysis has been managed with various treatment options other than surgery and medicine, such as endobronchial tamponade, transcatheter arterial embolization and radiation therapy. However, these methods can sometimes be used only temporarily or are not suitable for a patient's condition. We present a case in which uncontrollable hemoptysis caused by central lung cancer was successfully treated by inserting a covered self-expanding bronchial stent. The patient could be extubated and was able to undergo further palliative therapy. No recurrent episodes of hemoptysis occurred for the following three months. As our case, airway stenting is a considerable option for the tamponade of a bleeding lesion that cannot be successfully managed with other treatment methods and could be used to preserve airway patency in a select group of patients.