Video bronchoscopic electrocautery fulguration of endobronchial carcinoids: Case series from an Indian tertiary care center

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors are slow-growing tumors noticed in the tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary parenchyma. Generally, these tumors are slow growing with minimum risk of distant metastasis, but the atypical type of carcinoids has greater malignant potential with lower survival rates. The primary and most effective treatment for all pulmonary carcinoid tumors is surgical resection if no contraindications to surgery exist. Compared to surgical resection, bronchoscopic management is minimally invasive and parenchyma sparing. The present case series describes six patients, all young males, diagnosed with typical (n = 4) and atypical (n = 2) carcinoids, and managed with electrocautery fulguration carried out through video bronchoscope. Three cases were suggested pneumonectomy, while the other three cases were suggested for lobectomy by the Hospital Tumour Board. After the electrocautery fulguration procedure, the procedures of lobectomy or pneumonectomy were successfully prevented in all the cases, thereby saving these young males from life-threatening surgeries and permanent disabilities that would have affected their health and career. This is one of its kind case series that shows the importance of bronchoscopic management in carcinoid cases, from developing countries that can help in preserving the lungs.