Video-thoracoscopic management of a postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula

Abstract

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after pneumonectomy is a well-known, dreaded complication associated with a high mortality rate. We present a case of video-assisted thoracoscopic management of a silent, small BPF. After thoracoscopic removal of all debris and inflammatory tissues, the identified BPF was successfully sealed by thoracoscopic instillation of tissue glue. This approach may be an effective alternative and promising option for treating small bronchopleural fistulas accompanied by empyema after pneumonectomy.