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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021; 69(06): 577-579
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721676
Short Communication

Postoperative Bronchopleural Fistula: A Conservative Way of Treatment in Selected Cases

Dario Amore
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
,
Umberto Caterino
2   Thoracic Endoscopic Unit, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
,
Dino Casazza
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
,
Pasquale Imitazione
3   Department of Respiratory Diseases, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
,
Carlo Bergaminelli
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
,
Simona Massa
4   Complex Operative Unit of Pathology, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
,
Carlo Curcio
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
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Abstract

Background Postoperative bronchopleural fistula represents a challenging issue for thoracic surgeons. The treatment options reported include bronchoscopic or surgical procedures but the method yielding the best results remains unclear.

Methods In our thoracic surgery department, between January 2011 and June 2020, 11 patients treated conservatively for early bronchopleural fistula after lobectomy or bilobectomy were reviewed. The fistula size ranged between 2 and 3 mm and complete suture dehiscence.

Results In all 11 patients favorable conditions such as clinical stability, complete expansion of the remaining lung, and resolution of the pleural infection allowed a successful conservative treatment with chest tube drainage.

Conclusion In selected cases, conservative management of early bronchopleural fistula after lobectomy or bilobectomy may be an alternative therapeutic option to bronchoscopic or surgical procedures, regardless of the fistula size.

Keywords

lung cancer treatment - postoperative care - surgery - complications


Publication History

Received: 06 July 2020

Accepted: 16 October 2020

Article published online:
18 January 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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