Recurrent Haemoptysis From Retained Endobronchial Sutures Successfully Managed Using Flexible Endobronchial Scissors

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Interventional Pulmonology

Background:

• Hemoptysis presents a diagnostic challenge, with common causes including respiratory infections, cancer, bronchiectasis, and COPD.
• Approximately 20% of hemoptysis cases remain undiagnosed.
• Patients with a history of lung cancer surgery are susceptible to rare complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of chronic hemoptysis caused by retained endobronchial sutures.
• To describe a novel technique for removing endobronchial foreign bodies using flexible bronchoscopy.
• To review preventative surgical strategies for airway suture retention.

Main Methods:

• Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under light sedation.
• Removal of endobronchial polypropylene sutures using flexible endoscopic scissors.
• Review of literature on hemoptysis causes and surgical prevention of suture complications.

Main Results:

• Successful removal of endobronchial polypropylene sutures, resolving chronic low-grade hemoptysis.
• Demonstration of the safety and efficacy of flexible endoscopic scissors for foreign body removal in the airway.
• Identification of retained sutures as a rare but treatable cause of hemoptysis.

Conclusions:

• Endobronchial polypropylene sutures are a rare cause of hemoptysis, often missed without bronchoscopy.
• Flexible endoscopic scissors offer a safe and effective tool for airway foreign body removal.
• Surgical techniques should be reviewed to minimize the risk of retained sutures in the airway.