ABSTRACT
To evaluate the variable surgical options performed in the management of endobronchial tumors and the factors determining selection of the appropriate surgical technique. Retrospective study of a series of 24 patients with endobronchial tumors who were diagnosed and underwent surgery in the cardiothoracic surgery department, Mansoura university hospital from January 1985 to March 2006. Full history taking and complete clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, chest x-ray, and computerized tomography, and bronchoscope were done for all cases. Surgery was the line of treatment for all patients. Close sex distribution with age ranges from 20-64 years. Cough with expectoration was the main presentation. Zonal opacity was the most common radiological finding. CT chest showed sensitivity of 79.2% for detection of endobronchial lesions. Bronchoscopic examination revealed endobronchial lesions in all patients. Benign tumors were detected in 5 patients and malignant lesions in 19 patients, 14 patients were neuroendocrine tumors and 5 patients were other malignant varieties. Surgical interference included bilobectomy [7 patients], lobectomy [5 patients] pneumonectomy [7 patients], and one patient underwent surgical exploration for open biopsy while 4 bronchoplastic procedure were performed. Endobronchial tumors occur over a wide range of age without significant sex differentiation. Endobronchial tumor should be suspected in case of prolonged chest complaint inspite of maximal medical treatment. Bronchoscope is the main diagnostic tool and is important for detection of the provisional plane for surgery. Early diagnosis and screening should be established for early detection of endobronchial tumors and more conservative resectional and bronchoplastic techniques