Bronchopleural fistula. A novel type of window thoracostomy.
Bronchopleural fistula usually associated with chronic empyema after lung operations continues to occur in modern surgical practice. Successful treatment depends to a large extent on adequate dependent drainage of the empyema space. Tube thoracostomy, although useful initially, is unacceptable as long-term treatment. Window thoracostomy as currently performed is effective but unnecessarily extensive. We describe a simpler procedure, triangular window thoracostomy, for use as a permanent pleurocutaneous stoma or as an interim measure before definitive surgical treatment.
Galvin
I F
IF
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Gibbons
J R
JR
Maghout
M H
MH
D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000379:methods*