Bronchoscopic removal of bronchial carcinoid tumors: Case series and literature review.

Bronchoscopy is the primary tool for evaluating the histopathology of endobronchial carcinoid tumors. Carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms found chiefly in young adults, with a low tendency to metastasize. They can be located in the bronchus, either centrally or peripherally. Central bronchial tumors are usually symptomatic. This article describes the successful general anesthesia management of two cases of bronchial carcinoid for bronchoscopic debulking of the tumors with laser heat therapy. The patients improved symptomatically after debulking. Periods of oxygen desaturation occurred, but there were no airway complications.