Resection of endobronchial hamartoma causing recurrent hemoptysis by electrocautery and cryotherapy.

Background:Pulmonary hamartomas are rare benign tumors of the lung with an incidence of 0.025%-0.32%. Endobronchial benign lesions can cause bronchial obstruction and recurrent respiratory infections or obstructive pneumonia and recurrent hemopthysis. Case report: A 66-year-old male with recurrent hemoptysis and pneumonias for a year, was referred to our department for an endoscopic resection of an endobronchial hamartoma. Initially he refused any intervention but, as he suffered additional episodes of hemoptysis and chest infections during a year on follow up, he finally underwent interventional bronchoscopy and the lesion was cauterized using snare electrocautery probe and removed with cryoextraction. The patient has been followed for two years in our outpatient clinic, with no further problems. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment with flexible bronchoscope, electrocautery and cryotherapy provides an excellent outcome. Surgical therapy, should be reserved for the hamartomas that cannot be approached through endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]