Anaesthetic considerations in bronchial adenoma

The patient with bronchial adenoma can present a puzzling diagnostic dilemma as well as challenging problems in anaesthetic management. Several aspects are reviewed in this report. Diagnostically these include chest roentgenographic findings and unique pulmonary function test. Problems in anaesthetic management include possible development of acute carcinoid syndrome, as this tumour is usually of the carcinoid variety. In addition, the tumour may act as a ball valve, causing uneven ventilation of affected lung with expiratory air trapping. Several factors may necessitate prolonged bronchial blockage during anaesthesia. These include a friable mass which may bleed profusely upon manipulation, infected and atelectatic parenchymal tissue beyond the obstruction, copious volumes of purulent secretions, and one lung ventilation during resection.