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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1996; 44(6): 308-310
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1012043
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Open Window Thoracostomy in the Treatment of Esophageal or Bronchopleural Fistula With Advanced Mediastinitis and Septic Shock

K. Bauwens, K. Gellert, U. Hanack, A. Agnes, J. M. Müller
  • Department of Surgery of the University Hospital Charité, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
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Publication History

1996

Publication Date:
30 May 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Mediastinitis and septic shock following esophageal or bronchopleural fistula are rare but serious conditions with a high mortality rate. Six patients were treated with open window thoracostomy (OWT) after primary suture repair and closed tube drainage had failed to cure the patient's condition. In all cases the clinical condition improved immediately. Two patients died later because of unrelated diseases. OWT should be considered in critically ill patients with broncho- or esophagopleural fistula when primary therapy fails to control the septic focus.

Key words

Bronchopleural fistula - Esophageal Perforation - Mediastinitis - Open window thoracostomy

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