Hamartoma

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in surgically fit patients with biopsy-proven asymptomatic pulmonary hamartoma, is surgical resection superior to conservative watchful waiting in terms of outcome. A total of 460 papers were identified using the reported search, of which 9 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date, journal, country, study type, population, outcomes and key results are tabulated. Three studies were observational following up biopsy-proven asymptomatic pulmonary hamartoma with no resection for a mean period up to 5 years (where mentioned)...

BACKGROUND: Controversy still exists in the indication and timing of surgical treatment of pulmonary hamartoma (PH). The objective of this study is to summarize the experience and the outcome of the surgical treatment for pulmonary hamartomas, and to assess the effectiveness and necessity of surgical therapy administered in patients with pulmonary hamartoma as well as clinical and pathological features and long-term follow-up results. METHODS: This retrospective report has reviewed a 20-years clinical history of surgical treatment for 39 patients with PH from 1985 to 2006...