Abstract

The aim of this study was the evaluation of 23 patients with massive haemoptysis, who could not be treated surgically due to limited lung capacity and were sent to our department for endovascular intervention, in the light of our past experience and the analysis of problems that were encountered. Twenty three patients (3 females and 20 males) aged 27-71 years underwent transcatheter embolization for control of massive hemoptysis between January 1997 and August 2000. No recurrent haemoptysis was noted after one session of endovascular therapy during an average follow up period of 18.4 months (range: 2 days-38 months) in 17 cases (74%). Massive haemoptysis has recurred in six cases (26%) after the first intervention (average follow up: 3.6 months, range: 1-7 months). No heamoptysis has been reported up to the present time during seven-day follow-up in one case and a mean follow-up period of 28 months in the others (range: 18-36 months). One case has died due to uncontrollable bleeding after a one month symptom-free period. No major procedure-related complications have been encountered in our study. Endovascular therapy provides a safe and effective form of alternative palliative treatment in cases of massive haemoptysis.