J Korean Med Sci.  2010 Aug;25(8):1253-1255. 10.3346/jkms.2010.25.8.1253.

Endobronchial Stent Insertion to Manage Hemoptysis caused by Lung Cancer

• Chung IH
• Park MH
• Kim DH
• Jeon GS

• KMID: 1714056
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2010.25.8.1253

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Hemoptysis; Stents

MeSH Terms

*Bronchi
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/*complications/therapy
Hemoptysis/etiology/radiography/*therapy
Humans
Intubation
Lung Neoplasms/*complications/therapy
Male
Middle Aged
Palliative Care
*Stents
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A bronchial stent was placed in the left main bronchus. (A) A fluoroscopic image shows the bronchial stent and a totally collapsed left lung. (B) Bronchoscopy performed just after the bronchial stent placement shows the proximal end of the stent, which was exactly positioned at the orifice of the left main bronchus.

• 

  Fig. 2 A multi-planar reformatted oblique coronal CT image obtained six days after the bronchial stent placement shows the bronchial stent in the left main bronchus with internal bubbly material, suggesting secretion and an aerated left lung.

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