Robotic Lobectomy for Carcinoid Tumour Occluding the Basal Right Lower Lobe Bronchus

Bronchial carcinoid tumours are rare neuroendocrine tumours. They account for 1% to 2% of all lung tumours. They are typically a slow-growing neoplasm with varying behaviour, however, they can grow rapidly and overall be much more aggressive. They are subclassified into typical and atypical carcinoid tumours. 

Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for bronchial carcinoids and usually confers a good prognosis, particularly in typical carcinoids.

Here we present a case of a 76 year old lady with a bronchial carcinoid tumour obstructing the common basal bronchus of the right lower lobe. She had a history of pleuro-pericarditis, and recurrent lung infections causing widespread pleural adhesions. She made an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged from hospital 3 days postoperatively.