Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1996; 44(5): 266-270
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1012034
Case Report

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Oesophagopleural Fistula - a Rare Sequel of Pneumonectomy

P. Lauwers1 , P. Van Schil1 , W. Schroyens2 , H. Fierens3 , R. Vanmaele1 , E. Eyskens1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
  • 2Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
  • 3Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
Further Information

Publication History

1996

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

Postpneumonectomy oesophagopleural fistula (OPF) is a devastating Situation occurring in 0.2-1.0% of the patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Distinction is made between OPF appearing after pneumonectomy for chronic inflammation and suppuration, and OPF after pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Early and late fistulas (the former appearing within three months of the operation) are found in both groups. We report a case of OPF occurring almost five years after pneumonectomy for malignant lymphoma of the lung. Common signs of OPF are postpneumonectomy empyema and presence of previously ingested food particles in the empyema cavity. Treatment is extremely difficult and prolonged.and often not successful. Amelioration of the nutritional status, drainage of the postpneumonectomy space and closure of the fistula by injecting a sclerosing substance should be attempted. If this fails, the fistula should be closed by direct suture reinforced by a muscular or omental flap.