Broncholithiasis Assessed by Bronchoscopic Saline Solution Injection

Abstract

A 68-year-old man was admitted with hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy showed bronchial obstruction at the right B³bii proximal to the broncholith. The distal end of the bronchoscope was placed in a wedge position at the right B³bii. After repeated injection of saline solution through the working channel of the bronchoscope, we observed that the broncholith was freed from the bronchial wall. The broncholith was easily removed with forceps through the working channel of the bronchoscope. Bronchoscopic saline solution injection was safe and effective in confirming the mobility of the broncholith as bronchoscopy alone could not detect the broncholiths due to bronchial occlusion.