Cryotherapy: A viable tool to remove broncholiths under flexible bronchoscopy.

ABSTRACT

Broncholithiasis is the presence of calcific material within the tracheobronchial tree. Asymptomatic patients can be managed with observation only, whereas symptomatic disease requires surgery, rigid or flexible bronchoscopic removal. Recent reports have shown that flexible bronchoscopy can be a safe and effective option for removal of loose in addition to partially imbedded broncholiths. We present a case of a 65-yearold man with chronic cough that underwent successful cryotherapy assisted bronchoscopic removal of an imbedded broncholith. We will also review current literature regarding the management broncholithiasis.