Bronchial Artery Embolization in Patients Presenting with Massive Hemoptysis: Initial Experience from a Rural Tertiary Centre of Central India

Introduction. Patients presenting with massive hemoptysis in outpatient department (OPD) need urgent care. Conservative management of massive hemoptysis carries a mortality rate of 50%–100%. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) has become an established procedure in the management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. Here, we are presenting our experience of bronchial artery embolization in 11 patients presented in outpatient department with massive hemoptysis. Material and Methods. In our hospital-based cross-sectional study, 11 patients had undergone procedure for bronchial artery embolization in the Department of Interventional Radiology (TIFAC-CORE). Recruitment was done by using consecutive sampling in which the patients were chosen on a strict “first come, first chosen” basis and willing to undergo the procedure. Results. Bronchial arteriography and embolization were well tolerated by our patients. An immediate control of active bleeding was achieved with embolization in 10 cases (91%). 1 patient had recurrent hemoptysis after one month and ultimately required surgical resection for mycetoma. Conclusion. Patients with massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary TB can best be treated with BAE. Recurrence of massive hemoptysis is infrequent. However, if it does occur, then patients are best treated with surgery.