Cardiopulmonary bypass to facilitate excision of a giant pleural tumour.

A 55-year-old female developed dyspnoea following an elective hysteroscopy. A chest radiograph demonstrated a tissue density opacity occupying the right hemithorax. A CT scan suggested this was a tumour arising from the postero-lateral chest wall. Surgical resection was attempted; however, mobilisation of the tumour caused significant airway compromise. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used to facilitate oxygenation while the tumour was dissected and removed. Although cardiopulmonary bypass has been used as an adjunct to aid resection of tumours invading major vascular or upper airway structures, in this case CPB was used to aid mobilisation of a giant pleural tumour.