[The surgical emergent therapy for massive hemoptysis in 52 cases]

The result of surgical emergent operation in 52 cases with massive hemoptysis failed by medical therapy was reported. Hemoptysis ceased in 51 of the 52 cases. One patient died after operation, giving a mortality rate of 1.9%. Other complications were occurred in two patients, but none was bronchial fistula. The complication rate was 3.8%. The surgical indication of this series would include: (1) The amount of hemoptysis more than 600 ml per 24 h, failed by medical treatment. (2) Massive hemoptysis repeated or a history of suffocation. (3) Irreversible lesion in the lung with the bleeding site identified accurately. (4) The general condition and vital organs of the patient would permit surgical therapy. Various types of pulmonary resection with successful results should be selected.