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. 1998 Mar;65(3):807-9.
doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(97)01427-6.

Endoscopic treatment of bronchopleural fistulas

F Varoli  1 , G Roviaro, F Grignani, C Vergani, M Maciocco, C Rebuffat
Affiliations

Endoscopic treatment of bronchopleural fistulas

F Varoli et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 1998 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Bronchial fistula is one of the most serious complications of pulmonary resection.

Methods: We present an endoscopic treatment that consists of multiple submucosal injections of polidocanol-hydroxypoliethoxidodecane (Aethoxysklerol Kreussler) on the margins of the fistula using an endoscopic needle inserted through a flexible bronchoscope.

Results: From 1984 to 1995, 35 consecutive nonselected patients with a postresectional bronchopleural fistula were treated. All 23 partial postpneumonectomy or postlobectomy bronchopleural fistulas, ranging from 2 to 10 mm in diameter, healed completely. This did not occur in the 12 total bronchial dehiscences. No complications occurred due to the injection of the drug.

Conclusions: In our opinion this treatment can be considered a valid therapeutic approach, as it is simple, safe, scarcely traumatic, and inexpensive, particularly considering that, in patients in stable condition, it can be performed as an outpatient treatment.

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