title: Early closure of the postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula by pedicled diaphragmatic flaps.
abstract: In the past, several methods for closure of postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula have been proposed. Herein we describe a technique to close a bronchopleural fistula using a mobilized diaphragmatic flap sutured directly to the fistula edges. This maneuver improves the blood supply to the bronchial stump and may reduce residual pleural cavity. To prevent bacterial contamination of the pleural space, the procedure should be performed immediately after the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tor Vergata University School of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Mineo
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ambrogi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000601:surgery; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000637:transplantation*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D013536:Suture Techniques