Bronchopleural Fistula-The Role Of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation: A Case Report

Purpose: Bronchopleural fistula is a commonest complication developed in post-traumatic cases and the management of which is still a challenge due to lack of scientific evidence. The purpose of this case report is to investigate the effects of physiotherapy treatment in management of patients with bronchopleural fistula. Case Description: A 20-year-old man met with a road traffic accident following which he was diagnosed with hemopneumothorax and ICD was placed. Continuous removal of ICD over 3 to 4 times by patient himself in unconscious state lead to the development of bronchopleural fistula. Results: The patient was seen for 15 sessions over 3 weeks period ( 5 days per week). At discharge, his Functional status score in ICU (FSS-ICU) was 35. He was able to complete exercise tolerance test in 6-minute time interval with 540 meters of distance involving 10 laps with single rest pause during 4th minute. Discussion: Though bronchopleural fistula is considered as a relative complication of physical therapy; this case report suggests that with appropriate care physical therapy along with other medical management team can help to cure it and improve patient’s functional status as well as his quality of living.

Thinking on whether the BPF patients treated by open window thoracostomy after pulmonary resection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Introduce the experience of open window thoracostomy in the treatment of bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection.To explore which patients are currently suitable for open window thoracostomy , how to deal with them after open window thoracostomy, and how to treat patients without window drainage.Methods In 2017, the thoracic surgery department of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital completed 13,341 thoracic surgeries, including 10 cases of open window thoracos-tomy, and patients with BPF after other pulmonary resection were treated with conservative thoracic closed drainage .Thoracic closed drainage therapy is often accompanied by thoracic irrigation.From January 2004 to December 2017, 21 cases of chronic refractory abscess treated with autologous musculocutaneous flap implantation after pulmonary resection and open window drain-age were summarized.The treatment of chronic refractory abscess after 14 years of diagnosis was divided into three stages.The first stage is opening the abscess cavity stage, namely opening the window drainage.The second stage is elimination of abscess cavity and closure of bronchial pleural fistula.The third stage is autologous musculocutaneous flap transplantation or displace-ment to fill the abscess cavity stage.Results Compared with before open window, the 10 patients with open window thoracos-tomy showed obvious improvement in thoracic and pulmonary infection, without perioperative death.Other patients with BPF af-ter pulmonary resection without open window thoracostomy died in 2 of conservative thoracic closed drainage .From January 2004 to December 2017, 19 patients(19/21) were successfully treated with autologous musculocutaneous flap implantation af-ter pulmonary resection and open window thoracostomy, without recurrence of empyema and necrosis of skin flap, and 2 cases (2/21) were not cured due to large bronchial fistula, and local recurrence of empyema, without perioperative death.Conclu-sion Most patients with BPF after pulmonary resection are treated with closed thoracic drainage , especially those with lower lo-bectomy and with pleural irrigation.Most patients can be cured.If patients with upper lobe, middle and upper lobectomy or pneumonectomy, accompanied by BPF, chest infection and poor drainage, it is easy to develop intrapulmonary infection sprea-ding.We should do open window thoracostomy as soon as possible.The removal of the residual cavity by filling musculocutane-ous flap after open window thoracostomy is a great improvement compared with the transthoracic reconstruction .

Omentum Transplantation in Thorax to Cover Bronchial Stump as Treatment of Bronchopleural Fistula After Pulmonary Resection: Report of 6 Cases' Experience / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Bronchial pleural fistula (BPF) is a common complication after thoracic surgery for lung resection. Clinical treatment is complex and the effect is poor. The treatment of BPF after lung resection has plagued thoracic surgeons. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical and follow-up data of 6 patients in our hospital who underwent the omentum transplantation in thorax to cover bronchial stump as treatment of BPF after pulmonary resection to analyze why BPF occurs and describe this treatment method. We intend to discuss and evaluate the feasibility, safety and small sample success rate ofthis treatment method.@*METHODS@#During August 2016 to February 2018, six patients in our hospital underwent remedial open thoracotomy and omentum transplantation in pleura space to cover bronchial stump as treatment of bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection. Four patients had undergone a prior pneumonectomy and two patients had undergone a prior lobectomy (the residual lungs were resected with the main bronchus cut by endoscopic stapler during the reoperation). The bronchial stumps were sutured by 4-0 string with needle and covered by omentums, which were transplanted in pleura space from the cardiophrenic angle. Postoperatively, the pleura space was irrigated and drained. Summarize the clinical effect and technique learning points.@*RESULTS@#The patients were all males, aged 61 to 73 years (median age: 66). BPF occurred from postoperative day 10 to 45 (median postoperative day 25). The reoperation was finished in 80 mins-150 mins (median 110 mins). Total blood loss was 200 mL-1,000 mL (median 450 mL). These patients were discharged on postoperative day 12-17 (median 14 days), and there was no more complications associated with bronchopleural fistula. All six patients' bronchial stumps were well closed (100%) and have recovered well during the follow-up period, which lasted 1 month-18 months.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Remedial operation should be performed as soon as possible when BPF after pulmonary resection diagnosed. Excellent prognoses can be achieved by omentum which is easy to get transplanted in thorax to cover bronchial stump as treatment in patients with BPF after pulmonary resection those who can tolerate reoperation.

Clinical analysis for bronchopleural fistula after lung resections / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To explore the risk factors,preventive measures and therapeutic methods for bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after lung resections.Methods:A restrospective analysis for 11 patients with BPF after pneumonectomy from April 2012 to June 2016 in Department of Thoracic Surgery,Xiangya Hospital,Central South University was performed.Their clinical characteristics,treatment and prognosis were analyzed,and the risk factors and effective therapeutic strategies were summarized.Results:Among the 11 patients with BPF,10 cases were cured finally,and 1 case with conservative treatment was dead.The total mortality rate was 9.09％.The 10 patients treated with positive measures were all cured,including 5 cases with pulmonary lobectomy and pneumonectomy,4 cases with amplatzer and covered stent,and 1 case with fibrin glue.One case with conservative treatment was dead because of respiratory failure.Conclusion:It is important to intervene BPF as early as possible.Fibrin glue via bronchoscope for tiny BPF after lung resection is preferred to be considered.We recommend to take early positive operation (pulmonary lobectomy and pneumonectomy) after pulmonary resection if the BPF cannot be cured via bronchoscope whereas the patients' condition is allowed.The amplatzer or covered stent should be considered first for the patient with BPF after pneumonectomy.

Bronchopleural fistula after lung ablation: Experience in two cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) complicating lung tumor ablation is rare but severe. The purpose of this article was to study its characteristics and treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two of 682 (0.3%) sessions of lung microwave ablation (MWA) were complicated with BPF and documented. Two electronic databases were searched for reported cases of BPF after lung tumor ablation. Case selection and data collection were done by 3 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A 56‑year‑old man and a 61‑year‑old woman developed BPF after MWA and died. Thirteen cases (mean age 63.8, 61.5% male) of BPF with adequate information were identified from 8 articles. Of the 13 cases, 5 (38.5%) had pulmonary co‑morbidity, 3 (23.1%) had a history of pulmonary surgery, 7 (53.8%) had a target tumor adjacent or abutting pulmonary pleura, and 6 (46.2%) developed severe infections. After chest tube placement, pleurodesis, endoscopic therapy, surgery, and other treatments, 12 were cured and 1 died of BPF and pneumonia. CONCLUSION: BPF is a rare but severe complication of lung ablation, and the management needs a multidisciplinary and individualized treatment strategy.

Clinical analysis of the relationship between chemotherapy after pneumonectomy and bronchopleural fistula / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship between chemotherapy after pulmonary resection and the incidence rate of bron-chopleural fistula. Methods 246 patients who received pulmonary resection in our hospital from January 2009 to June 2014 were chosen, and they were divided into the chemotherapy group and the non-chemotherapy group. The 138 patients in the chemotherapy group received chemotherapy one month after resection while the other 108 in the non-chemotherapy group did not. Bronchopleural fistula of the two groups were diagnosed and analyzed in order to evaluate the relationship between chemotherapy after pulmonary resection and incidence rate of bron-chopleural fistula. Results There were 12 cases of bronchopleural fistula in the chemotherapy group with an incidence rate of 8. 70%, while there were 2 cases of bronchopleural fistula in the non-chemotherapy group with an incidence rate of 1. 85%. The difference between the two groups is statistically significant (P<0. 05). Conclusion Chemotherapy after pulmonary resection will increase the incidence rate of bron-chopleural fistula.

A clinical model to estimate risk factor of early BPF after pneumonectomy for NSCLC / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To evaluate prognostic factors for early bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy with non small cell lung cancer,and establish a validated clinical model to estimate the risk of early-BPF.Methods We reviewed the medical records of 429 patients who underwent pneumonectomy for NSCLC at our institution.We used univariate and multivariate analysis to identify potential independent risk factors for early-BPF after pneumonectomy for NSCLC.A model to estimate risk of early-BPF was developed by combining independent risk factors.Results The rate of early-BPF after pneumonectomy for NSCLC was 6.5％ (28/429).Three factors were independently associated with early-BPF:neoadjuvant therapy (HR:2.406),bleeding (HR:2.171)and diabetes (HR:1.144).A scoring system for early-BPF was developed by assigning 2 points for each major risk factor (neoadjuvant therapy and bleeding) and 1 point for each minor risk factor(diabetes).Scores were grouped as low (0-1),intermediate (2-3),and high (3),yielding the rate of early-BPF was 14％,27％,and 43％,respectively.Conclusion This clinical model is established on the basis of independent risk factors.This model can be used as a predictive tool for early-BPF after pneumonectomy for NSCLC.

Surgical repair of early bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a common but potentially lethal complication after pulmonary resection.Currently,there is still controversy over the appropriate management strategy for BPF,especially when pleural space contamination develops.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of surgical repair fistulas combined with pedicled muscle flaps coverage in patients with early BPF after pulmonary resection based on our experience with 23 cases.Methods The clinical data for 23 patients who underwent surgical repair of early BPF from January 1999 to December 2010 at our hospital were reviewed.Thirteen patients had undergone a prior pneumonectomy and 10 patients had undergone a prior lobectomy.BPF occurred from postoperative day 5 to40 (mean postoperative day 21 ).Nine patients had a contaminated pleural space.After BPF was clearly diagnosed,prompt closed pleural drainage was instituted,followed by surgical repair of BPF.Four patients underwent a direct suture repair of fistula,ten patients underwent stump revision and suture closure,seven patients underwent stump revision and bronchoplasty or carina plasty,and a pedicled muscle flap was sewn to the edges of the fistula in two patients.The stump was covered with various muscle flaps,including interostal muscle flap in five cases,latissimus dorsi muscle flap in ten cases,serratus anterior muscle flap in six cases,and erector spinae muscle flap in two cases.Postoperatively,the pleural space was routinely irrigated and drained.Results No intraoperative or early postoperative death occurred.Four patients developed severs complications,including respiratory failure in two cases,pulmonary embolism in one case,and empyema in one case.All four cases recovered well after treatment.The mean duration of hospitalization was 33 days (range 8 - 120 days ).Surgical repair of BPF was successful in 21 cases (91.3％) but failed for 2 patients..BPF recurrence developed in only one patient two years postoperatively due to stump recurrence.He died of extensive metastatic disease 2 years after BPF recurrence.Conclusion Excellent results can be achieved by early surgical repair combined with stump pedicled muscle flaps coverage in patients with BPF who can tolerate reoperation,even if they have a contaminaled pleural space.

Early and Long-term Outcomes of Pneumonectomy for Treating Sequelae of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Pneumonectomy remains the ultimate curative treatment modality for destroyed lung caused by tuberculosis despite multiple risks involved in the procedure. We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent pneumonectomy for treatment of sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis to determine the risk factors of early and long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1980 and December 2008, pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy was performed in 73 consecutive patients with destroyed lung caused by tuberculosis. There were 48 patients with empyema (12 with bronchopleural fistula [BPF]), 11 with aspergilloma and 7 with multidrug resistant tuberculosis. RESULTS: There were 5 operative mortalities (6.8%). One patient had intraoperative uncontrolled arrhythmia, one had a postoperative cardiac arrest, and three had postoperative respiratory failure. A total of 29 patients (39.7%) suffered from postoperative complications. Twelve patients (16.7%) were found to have postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE), 4 patients had wound infections (5.6%), and 7 patients required re-exploration due to postoperative bleeding (9.7%). The prevalence of PPE increased in patients with preoperative empyema (p=0.019). There were five patients with postoperative BPF, four of which occurred in right-side operation. The only risk factor for BPF was the right-side operation (p=0.023). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 88.9% and 76.2%, respectively. The risk factors for late deaths were old age (> or =50 years, p=0.02) and low predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (<1.2 L, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Although PPE increases in patients with preoperative empyema and postoperative BPF increases in right-side operation, the mortality rates and long-term survival rates were found to be satisfactory. However, the follow-up care for patients with low predicted postoperative FEV1 should continue for prevention and early detection of pulmonary complication related to impaired pulmonary function.

Bronchoscopic management of bronchopleural fistula.

In recent years successful bronchoscopic management of bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs) by locating its site and then blocking the leaking segment with any of the several agents available has gained recognition. It is now considered as an alternate mode of management of BPF. Here we present a case of non-resolving pneumothorax that was managed successfully using bronchoscopic glue (cyanoacrylate glue) instillation.

Diagnosis and management bronchopleural fistula.

The diagnosis and management of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remain a major therapeutic challenge for clinicians. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and localisation of BPF is sometimes difficult and may require multiple imaging and bronchoscopies. Successful management of a fistula is combined with treatment of the associated empyema cavity. The first step, therefore, should be control of active infection and adequate drainage of the hemithorax. When deemed required, definitive surgical repair should be accomplished expeditiously, minimising the number of procedures performed. In cases of a small fistula or where the surgical risk is high, various bronchoscopic methods have been used to close the fistula. When treatment is protracted, secondary complications are more likely and survival is adversely affected. In this article, approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of BPF are discussed, with particular emphasis on bronchoscopic management options.

Fístula broncopleural / Bronchopleural fistula

A diario en nuestro medio se realizan procedimientos quirúrgicos que requieren aislamiento pulmonar y/o ventilación de un solo pulmón con excelentes resultados. Este caso clinico quiere dar a conocer como la elección del abordaje quirúrgico favorece el manejo de la ventilación de un solo pulmón. A su vez mostrar el resultado favorable con el uso del tratamiento recomendado para manejo pulmonar convencional (FiO2 100%, seguimiento de CO2 para mantener normocapnia, VC 8-10 ml/Kg).

In Colombia many surgical procedures are made that require pulmonary isolation and/or one-lung ventilation with excellent results. Tis clinical case wants to present as the election of the surgical boarding favors the management of the ventilation of a single lung. To as well show the favorable result with the use of the treatment recommended for conventional pulmonary management.

A Case of Spontaneous Chronic Expanding Hematoma in the Thorax / 결핵및호흡기질환

A chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) in the thorax is a rare and specific condition of chronic empyema. CEHs in the thorax are often associated with tuberculosis and/or previous surgical procedures. While the incidental detection of a pleural mass and dyspnea are common clinical manifestations, a few cases present with hemoptysis. We encountered a case of CEH in the thorax. This case is unique in that it developed without a prior history of tuberculosis or surgery and presented with massive hemoptysis accompanied by bronchopleural fistula. We report the third case of CEH in the thorax in Korea with a summary of the clinical characteristics of previous cases.

A Case of Chronic Expanding Hematoma with Initial Presentation as Massive Hemotpysis through Bronchopleural Fistula in the Thorax / 결핵및호흡기질환

Chronic expanding hematoma of the thorax is a specific subtype of the chronic empyema. It presents as a slowly expanding intrathoracic mass which result in dyspnea or recurrent hemoptysis. The symptoms develop months or years after tuberculous pleurisy, trauma or surgery. Usually, it shows three common findings: a giant mass lesion in the thorax, some surrounding calcifications, the absence of signs or symptoms of infection. We report a case of chronic expanding hematoma of the thorax, initially presenting as massive hemoptysis through bronchopleural fistula which resulted in radiologic findings of new air-fluid level within the previous pleural lesion filled with unknown materials.

Surgical Results for Treating Postpneumonectomy Empyema with BPF by Using an Omental Pedicled Flap and Thoracoplasty / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE) due to bronchopleural fistula (BPF) can be a surgical challenge for surgeons. We analyzed the follow-up outcomes after performing omentopexy and thoracoplasty for the treatment of PPE with BPF after pneumonectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between December 1991 and January 2006, 9 patients underwent BPF closure using an omental pedicled flap for the treatment of PPE with BPF after pneumonectomy. There were 7 males and 2 females (mean age: 45.9+/-9 years). The patients were followed up for a mean of 58 months (median: 28 months, range: 6~169). When we performed omentopexy, the surgical procedures for empyema were thoracoplasy for 8 patients and the Clagett procedure for 1 patient. Thoracoplasty was performed for the latter patient due to recurrence of empyema. RESULT: For the 8 patients who were treated by omentopexy and thoracoplasty, there was 1 operation-related death due to sepsis. During follow up, 1 patient, who was treated by omentopexy and a Clagett procedure, died of acute hepatitis 40 months postoperatively. The early mortality was 11.1% (8/9). Of the 8 patients, including the 1 late death patient, successful closure of the BPF were achieved in all patients (8/9) and the empyema was cured in 7 patients (7/8). CONCLUSION: The BPF closure using an omental pedicled flap was an effective method for treating PPE with BPF due to TB-destroyed lung, and thoracoplasty with simultaneous omentopexy was effective and safe for removing dead space if the patient was young and in a good general condition.

A Case of Bronchoscopic Treatment of a Bronchopleural Fistula Accompanied by Pneumonia / 결핵및호흡기질환

A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is traditionally treated by surgery, but currently various noninvasive forms of management, particularly the use of bronchoscopy, have been utilized. The substances and methods for noninvasive management of a BPF differ with individual clinicians. This case describes the use of flexible bronchoscopic treatment of a BPF complicating pneumoniausing embolization coils and intraluminally injected fibrin glue. If the BPF is small and is located on the peripheral bronchus, this minimal invasive maneuver could be recommended for the treatment of a BPF.

A Case of Bronchoscopic Treatment of a Bronchopleural Fistula Accompanied by Pneumonia / 결핵및호흡기질환

A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is traditionally treated by surgery, but currently various noninvasive forms of management, particularly the use of bronchoscopy, have been utilized. The substances and methods for noninvasive management of a BPF differ with individual clinicians. This case describes the use of flexible bronchoscopic treatment of a BPF complicating pneumoniausing embolization coils and intraluminally injected fibrin glue. If the BPF is small and is located on the peripheral bronchus, this minimal invasive maneuver could be recommended for the treatment of a BPF.

Clinical Analysis of Pleuropneumonectomy for Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pneumonectomy for inflammatory lung disease has been of major concern because of its associated morbidity and mortality, particularly with respect to pleuropneumonectomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes, and identify the risk factors contributing to postoperative complications in patients undergoing pleuropneumonectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety-eight patients underwent pneumonectomy for benign inflammatory lung disease were retrospectively analyzed. Pleuropneumonectomy (Group A) was done in 48 patients and standard pneumonectomy (Group B) was done in 50 patients. Clinical characteristics, postoperative complications were examined and compared between 2 groups. In pleuropneumonectomy group, postoperative risk factors affecting morbidity were evaluated. RESULT: There was one in-hospital death. Twenty-three major postoperative complications occurred in 21 patients (21.4%). The common complications were empyema and bronchopleural fistula (BPF) in 8 (8.4%), re-exploration due to bleeding in 8. At least one postoperative complication occurred in 14 of 48 patients from Group A (29.2%) and in 7 of 50 patients from Group B (14%). In Group A, empyema and BPF encountered in 6 and re-exploration for bleeding in 6 were the most common complication. In univariate analysis, right pneumonectomy, completion pneumonectomy, large amount of blood loss (>1,000 mL), and intrapleural spillage were risk factors contributing to postoperative complications in Group A. In multivariate analysis, intrapleural contamination during operation was a risk factor of postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality rates of pneumonectomy for chronic inflammatory lung disease are acceptably. However, we confirm that pleuropneumonectomy is a real technical challenge and a high-risk procedure and technically demanding. Meticulous surgical techniques are very important in preventing serious and potentially lethal complications.

A Case of RUL Bronchopleural Fistula Occluded by Flexible Bronchoscope with Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot (EWS) / 결핵및호흡기질환

An 86 year old woman was admitted complaining of dyspnea and right pleuritic pain with a 5 week durations. A physical examination, chest X-ray, and diagnostic thoracentesis upon admission revealed findings consistent with severe pneumonia and empyema on the right lung. Despite the insertion of a chest tube and negative suction via Emersion pump, the continuous air leakage was sustained, and a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) was found on the chest-CT. A flexible bronchoscopic occlusion with an Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot (EWS) was performed after 56 days of admission. An 5 mm diameter EWS was successfully inserted into the anterior segmental bronchus of the right upper lobe by flexible bronchoscope. There was no aAir leakage detected after this procedure. The patient was discharged 30 days after the EWS occlusion.

Endobronchial Closure of Postoperative Bronchopleural Fistula Using Vascular Occluding Coils / 대한흉부외과학회지

A bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection is still showing high mortality and morbidity despite of advancing of treatment. Several treatment options have been developed including surgical treatment. In 1990, endobronchial closure using vascular occluding coils was introduced. These coils can occlude a bronchial air-leakage by mechanical obstruction as well as inducing fibrosis. We report, herein, the experience using a vascular occluding coils in treating postoperative bronchopleural fistula.