Hemoptysis and Thoracic Fungal Infections

At some point in their career, most general surgeons will be faced with a patient with hemoptysis or a thoracic fungal infection. These patients usually present with minor symptoms and require a stepwise comprehensive evaluation to determine appropriate treatment. A minority of patients present acutely or in extremis from either condition. Because of the rarity of these presentations, a well-organized algorithm to approach the patient is the best preparation. This article is divided into 2 separate but related sections. First, the management of hemoptysis is discussed in terms of the initial assessment, stabilization, proper use of diagnostic options, and treatment choices. Second, the spectrum of fungal diseases is reviewed, the role of surgery in fungal disease is identified, and the surgical treatments are discussed.