The unusual development of empyema with multiple alveolobronchiolar fistulae 8 years after non-curative resection and radiation for lung cancer: report of a case.
We present herein the case of a man who developed empyema with multiple lung fistulae 8 years after receiving postoperative radiation for a residual tumor on the bronchial stump. The patient was successfully managed with two-stage surgery, involving an open window thoracotomy, followed by omental flap transfer. This case documents how postoperative radiotherapy that was effective following non-curative resection was also responsible for the development of empyema. Furthermore, although the empyema was successfully treated using the omentum, a small free space remained in the thorax, which resolved within 2 months.
Okada
M
M
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hyogo Medical Center for Adults, Japan.
Tsubota
N
N
Yoshimura
M
M
Kubota
M
M
Murotani
A
A
D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors