Incidence and management of post-lobectomy and pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula

Introduction Bronchopleural fistula is a rare but potentially fatal complication of pulmonary resections and proper management is essential for its resolution. In this study, we analyzed the incidence of fistula after pulmonary resection and reported data about endoscopic and conservative treatments of this complication. Methods From January 2003 to December 2013, 835 patients underwent anatomic lung resections: 786 (94.1 %) had a lobectomy and 49 (5.9 %) a pneumonectomy. Bronchopleural fistula was suspected by clinical signs and confirmed by endoscopic visualization. Results Eighteen patients (2.2 %) developed a bronchopleural fistula, 11 in lobectomy group (1.4 %) and 7 in pneumonectomy group (14.3 %). The fistula size ranged between Conclusion Endoscopic therapy, associated with a conservative treatment, is a safe and useful option in the management of the postoperative bronchopleural fistula.
Author(s): Leonello Fuso[sup.1] [sup.3] , Francesco Varone[sup.1] , Dania Nachira[sup.2] , Ilaria Leli[sup.1] , Ivano Salimbene[sup.1] , Maria Teresa Congedo[sup.2] , Stefano Margaritora[sup.2] , Pierluigi Granone[sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Bronchoscopy [...]