Endobronchial Lipoma Treated With Endoscopic Microwave Coagulation to Relieve Atelectasis: The First Case Report

• Published in: Respirology case reports Vol. 13; no. 8
• Main Authors: Takase, Eri, Washioka, Atsushi, Nakaguchi, Keita, Kawago, Mitsumasa, Tanaka, Fumihiro, Kitaichi, Masanori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.08.2025; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Ablation; atelectasis; Bronchoscopy; Case Report; Case reports; Consent; endobronchial lipoma; endobronchial therapy; Endoscopy; high perioperative risk; microwave coagulation; Surgery; Tomography; Tumors
• DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70313
• ISSN: 2051-3380

ABSTRACT Various endobronchial therapies, as well as complete surgical resection, have recently been reported. Among them, microwave coagulation is a promising endobronchial therapy for a wide range of neoplasms due to its high efficacy and safety. Meanwhile, endobronchial lipoma is a benign tumour that is rarely observed in the lungs. To our knowledge, the efficacy of microwave coagulation has not been reported in the treatment of endobronchial lipoma. Here, we report the effectiveness of endoscopic microwave coagulation therapy in safely resolving atelectasis and cough caused by endobronchial lipoma. Surgical resection was deemed to be unsuitable in this case due to the likelihood of extensive surgery such as right lower lobectomy being required, and comorbidities including poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. There was an elevated risk of perioperative complications. This report presents a new, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for endobronchial lipoma in endoscopic microwave coagulation to relieve atelectasis. Here, we report the effectiveness of endoscopic microwave coagulation therapy in safely resolving atelectasis and cough caused by endobronchial lipoma. Surgical resection was deemed to be unsuitable in this case due to the likelihood of extensive surgery such as right lower lobectomy being required and comorbidities including poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. There was an elevated risk of perioperative complications.