[Surgical treatment and diagnosis of adult bronchogenic cysts]

Between 1974 and 1993, 22 adults with bronchogenic cysts were operated in our hospital: 14 men and 8 women, ranging from 11 to 62 years old. The location was mediastinal in 13 (59.1%) and intrapulmonary in 9 (40.9%). Cysts were symptomatic (chest pain and recurrent bronchiolitis) in 20 patients (91%). The perioperative complications include infection in lungs and in the cysts and dysphagia due to esophageal compression. Chest pain was the main symptom in mediastinal cyst and recurrent infection of lungs in intrapulmonary cysts. Plain chest radiographs showed round shadows. Occasional air-fluid levels, peripheral calcification may be found. Operation is the best method for treating cysts. All cysts were completely excised. No perioperative, late complication or recurrence developed in our patients. Operation was recommended in most instances to confirm the diagnosis, to relieve symptoms, and to prevent complications.