Argon plasma coagulation and electrosurgery for benign endobronchial tumors

Benign endobronchial tumors are a rare entity capable of causing significant symptoms. Endobronchial tumor destruction has the potential for relieving symptoms while sparing the patient from invasive surgical resection. Although Nd:YAG laser has been successfully used, other less costly approaches such as argon plasma coagulation (APC) and electrocautery, may be effective alternatives for the bronchoscopic treatment of benign endobronchial tumors.

A retrospective medical chart review was conducted at a single academic center in the United States from the period of January 2005 through December 2011 to collect a minimum of 10 cases for review. Eligibility criteria included diagnosis of a benign endobronchial tumor and age over 18 years. Our institution's pathology database was searched by specific benign tumor and the results were further refined based on an endobronchial location. The bronchoscopic procedure log was also searched and identified procedures were cross referenced with the medical record to confirm eligibility.

Ten patients with pathologically confirmed benign endobronchial tumors were identified. All patients achieved tumor regression with APC in combination with electrocautery or cryotherapy. Majority of the procedures (75%) were performed with flexible bronchoscopy and 55% were performed under moderate sedation.

APC is an effective method for tumor devitalization and reduction in tumor size, making it a viable and less costly therapeutic option for the treatment of benign endobronchial tumors.