Abstract
Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after pneumonectomy is a well-known, dreaded complication associated with a high mortality rate. We present a case of video-assisted thoracoscopic management of a silent, small BPF. After thoracoscopic removal of all debris and inflammatory tissues, the identified BPF was successfully sealed by thoracoscopic instillation of tissue glue. This approach may be an effective alternative and promising option for treating small bronchopleural fistulas accompanied by empyema after pneumonectomy.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Lois M., Noppen M. Bronchopleural fistulas: an overview of the problem with special focus on endoscopic management. Chest 2005;128:3955–3965.
Sirbu H, Busch T, Aleksic I, Schreiner W, Oster O, Dalichau H. Bronchopleural fistula in the surgery of non-small cell lung cancer: incidence, risk factors and management. Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;7:330–336.
Takanami I. Closure of a bronchopleural fistula using a fibringlue coated collagen patch. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2003;2:387–388.
Reul RM, Walsh GL. Tissue adhesives in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. In: Franco KL, Putnam JB, editors. Advanced therapy in thoracic surgery. 2nd edn. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Becker; 2005. p. 47–60.
Hollaus PH, Lax F, Wurnig PN, Janakiev D, Pridun NS. Videothoracoscopic debridement of the postpneumonectomy space in empyema. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1999;16:283–286.
Deslauriers J., Mehran R. Management of postoperative complications after pulmonary surgery. In: Deslauriers J, editor. Handbook of perioperative care in general thoracic surgery. 1st edn. Philadelphia: Elsevier-Mosby; 2005. p. 356–366.
West D, Togo A, Kirk AJ. Are bronchoscopic approaches to post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula an effective alternative to repeat thoracotomy? Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2007;6:547–550.
Leo F, Solli P, Veronesi G, Galetta D, Petrella F, Gasparri R, et al. Review on bronchopleural fistula: did a surgeon review it? Chest 2006;129:1731; reply 1731–2; discussion 1732.
Wright CD. Postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula. In: Grillo HC, editor. Surgery of the trachea and bronchi. 1st edn. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Becker; 2004. p. 815–826.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Karfis, E.A., Kakadellis, J. Video-thoracoscopic management of a postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 57, 675–677 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-009-0456-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-009-0456-7