Endobronchial closure of a postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula.
Successful permanent endobronchial closure of a serious postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula is reported in a patient with a delayed diagnosis of Mycobacterium fortuitum-cheloni infection. Increasing experience, improved plugging agents, and a review of the literature suggest that in selected patients, this procedure can avoid complex repeat operations and reverse life-threatening situations. Although atypical mycobacterial infections occur with infrequency, they are difficult to treat and may lead, as in this patient, to a misdiagnosis. Operations on granulomatous tissues are prone to heal poorly, thus inviting tissue breakdown and chronic fistulas.
Opie
J C
JC
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Phoenix Baptist Hospital, Arizona.
Vaughn
C C
CC
Comp
R A
RA
Radford
J M
JM
Lowell
P
P
Finch
C
C
D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000601:surgery; D016926:Mycobacterium chelonae; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*