Management of bronchial carcinoids. International practice survey among the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the international practice of management of bronchial carcinoids. MATERIALS & METHODS: A survey designed by the Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung Working Group, was conducted among the members of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 172 centers worldwide replied to the questionnaire. General agreement was observed concerning the use of anatomic resections and parenchyma-sparing surgery, the importance of lymphadenectomy, the adjuvant regimens in N(+) atypical carcinoids and the role of surgery for local recurrences. Controversies emerged in the use of nuclear medicine imaging and measurement of serum markers and on the timing of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This survey provides the largest international overview of the current practice in the management of bronchial carcinoids and identifies discrepancies that could be the focus of future investigations.