Eleven-year experience in thoracoscopic excision of bronchogenic cyst

Abstract

Objectives: bronchogenic cysts are uncommon congenital cystic lesions. Most are incidentally detected and require surgical excision for histological diagnosis, symptom relief, and to prevent complications. Video-assisted thoracoscopic resection is preferable in suitable patients. In this study, we reviewed the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and thoracoscopic treatment of bronchogenic cysts. Methods: from January 2001 to December 2011, 14 patients with bronchogenic cyst underwent thoracoscopic surgery for excision of the cyst. Their mean age was 24 years. Twelve patients were symptomatic (85.71%). Results: the average maximum diameter of the cysts was 6.7 cm. The most common location of the cyst was the mediastinum ( n = 10, 71.4%). All bronchogenic cysts were completely excised. In 7 cases, the procedure was converted to thoracotomy. The mean hospital stay following thoracoscopic surgery was 4 days. There was no recurrence on follow-up. Conclusions: thoracoscopic excision of a bronchogenic cyst should be considered the first-line therapeutic option. Proper preoperative case selection can prevent conversion to thoracotomy due to major pleural adhesions. There should be a low threshold for conversion to thoracotomy if complete excision of the cyst is not possible, because this is the main goal of treatment to prevent recurrence.