Successful removal of a broncholith using a cryo-probe under rigid bronchoscopy: A case report.
Moe AndoHideo SakaYasuhiro MatsuoShin LeeTetsuji MorishitaKei FujitaAkifumi TsuzukuPublished in: Respirology case reports (2022)
Broncholithiasis is a rare condition in which lymph nodes, cartilage or inhaled material in the bronchi become calcified. Removal of the broncholith is indicated when it causes symptoms such as hemoptysis and obstructive pneumonia. Although there are various methods for removing broncholiths, no international recommendations exist. We report a case of safe removal of broncholiths using a cryo-probe under rigid bronchoscopy. A 72-year-old man presented with blood-tinged sputum for 5 months. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed collapse of the middle lung lobe. Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated broncholiths at the orifice of the middle lobe. We successfully removed the broncholiths with a cryo-probe under rigid bronchoscopy without any complications. Our experience suggests that removal of broncholiths can be safely and successfully performed using a cryo-probe under rigid bronchoscopy.
Keyphrases
- high resolution
- computed tomography
- electron microscopy
- living cells
- quantum dots
- lymph node
- cystic fibrosis
- positron emission tomography
- magnetic resonance imaging
- image quality
- contrast enhanced
- early stage
- mass spectrometry
- single cell
- pulmonary tuberculosis
- extracellular matrix
- single molecule
- clinical practice
- rectal cancer