title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Carilion Clinic/Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 1906 Belleview Ave SE, Roanoke, VA, 24014, USA. sncampbell1@carilionclinic.org.
authors.forename: Sabrina N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Salem VA Medical Center, Salem, VA, 24153, USA.
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lala
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Carilion Clinic/Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 1906 Belleview Ave SE, Roanoke, VA, 24014, USA.
authors.forename: Edmundo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rubio
keywords: Broncholith; Broncholithiais; Cryotherapy; Lithoptysis