Clinical Approach to Massive Hemoptysis: Perioperative Focus on Causes and Management

Massive hemoptysis is a time critical airway emergency in the perioperative setting, with an associated mortality exceeding 50%. Causes of hemoptysis in the perioperative setting include procedural complication, coagulopathy, malignancy, chronic lung disease, infection, left-sided cardiac disease, pulmonary vascular disease and autoimmune disease. A rapid and coordinated multidisciplinary response is required to secure the airway, isolate the lung, ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, identify the underlying cause and initiate specific systemic, bronchoscopic, endovascular, or surgical treatment. This review examines the etiology, pathophysiology, as well as approach to management and interventions in perioperative massive hemoptysis.