Emergency lobectomy for massive hemoptysis in cystic fibrosis

Massive hemoptysis occurs in 50% to 70% of patients with cystic fibrosis and carries an immediate mortality of up to 32%. Cystic fibrosis is regarded by many as a disease in which thoracic operations are ill-advised. A 21-year-old woman with mild cystic fibrosis presented with unrelenting massive hemoptysis, was not helped by medical management, and underwent a successful left upper lobectomy. We suggest that thoracotomy does have a role in the management of massive hemoptysis in selected patients with cystic fibrosis. On the basis of our case and all other cases reported in the English literature, we suggest criteria for determining which patients are suitable candidates for emergency thoracotomy.