Management of the recalcitrant bronchopleural fistula using the transsternal transpericardial approach / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To review the experience of closure of recalcitrant bronchopleural fistula using the transsternal transpericardial approach. Methods 3 patients with recalcitrant bronchopleural fistula underwent transsternal transpericardial closure of a bronchopleural fistula and drainage by open thoracostomy. Results All patients were survived and there was no recurrence of bronchopleural fistula. Conclusion Transsternal transpericardial approach seems to be a safe and effective method in cases of bronchopleural fistula complicated with empyema. It has the added advantage of less recurrent fistula formation.