Gastropleural fistula following a splenectomy for splenic abscess: a case report.

ABSTRACT

Gastropleural fistula is a rare condition that occurs as a consequence of various thoraco-abdominal surgical procedures and septic conditions. The diagnosis is difficult, it needs a high index of suspicion and appropriate investigations. There are no previous reports of a patient developing a fistula after a splenectomy procedure. The authors report a twelve-year old boy who developed gastropleural fistula following thoracoabdominal surgery, a splenectomy. The patient presented with the clinical condition of chronic empyema thoracis and responded well to medical and surgical treatment.