Uniportal-video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery resection of a bronchogenic cyst: a case report

Bronchogenic cysts (BCs) are the most common benign cystic lesions in the mediastinum, 15–25% of cases originating from pulmonary parenchyma. It is often found incidentally as it is mostly asymptomatic until its growth in size and compression of surrounding structures, causing tachycardia, dysphagia, dyspnea, cough and chest pain or its complication (with symptoms such as fever, dyspnea and sputum production if the cyst communicates with a bronchus). In this paper we present the case of a 68-year-old female patient presenting a recurrent bronchogenic giant cyst in the right hemithorax, partially solved after drainage at its first presentation and finally resolved by excision in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) uniportal surgery after recurrence. Diagnosis was confirmed by a thoracic CT scan and pulmonary ultrasound. A multidisciplinary approach was necessary to decide the best strategy and timing for the treatment of the pathology. The surgical approach was necessary to allow removal of the source of infection that was not possible to treat with only antibiotic therapy. Uniportal-VATS (U-VATS) for the treatment of this case was safe and effective with good outcomes in terms of post-operative recovery. We therefore hope for future randomized studies to define the role of minimally invasive techniques in complicated BCs.