Bronchogenic cysts: a persistent dilemma

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital lesions of the respiratory tract. Athough usually benign, they have the potential to develop complications and can pose a dilemma in diagnosis and treatment. Twenty patients who presented to the cardiothoracic surgical unit at royal prince alfred hospital over a 10 year period are reported. Symptoms were common (75%) but serious complications were rare (5%). Most cysts were excised completely at thoracotomy with minimal morbidity. The correct diagnosis was established pre‐operatively in less than half of the patients. Therefore excision is recommended to confirm the diagnosis, to exclude malignancy and to minimize possible complications.