Transsternal transpericardial approach for the repair of bronchopleural fistula with empyema.
BACKGROUND
Numerous surgical approaches have been reported for the repair of bronchopleural fistula. Recently the transsternal transpericardial approach has shown great promise with its positive results in cases of bronchopleural fistula complicated with empyema. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the results of bronchopleural fistula treatment using the transsternal transpericardial approach.


METHODS
Bronchopleural fistula developed in 16 of the 172 patients who had pneumonectomy between 1982 and 1996. In one case closure with fibrin sealant by bronchoscopy was tried. In the remaining cases fistula was closed by the transsternal transpericardial approach.


RESULTS
The interval between pneumonectomy and fistula occurrence was 10 days or less in 5 patients and 10 days to 1 month in 11 patients. In all patients the empyema space was treated by continued drainage through the thoracostomy tube. Fibrin sealant was tried unsuccessfully for closure of moderate-sized bronchopleural fistula in one case. In three cases of right bronchopleural fistula, carinal resection and anastomosis of the trachea to the left main stem bronchus were performed. In the remaining cases bronchopleural fistula was closed using a hand suture technique. One patient died within 30 days after operation (6.25%) because of renal insufficiency. There was no recurrence of bronchopleural fistula.


CONCLUSIONS
Transsternal transpericardial approach seems to be a safe and effective method with an easier technique in cases of bronchopleural fistula complicated with empyema. It has the added advantage of less recurrent fistula formation and enables resection in cases without sufficient bronchial stump.
Topcuoglu
M S
MS
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cukuroua, Balcali, Adana, Turkey.
Kayhan
C
C
Ulus
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016156:Respiratory Tract Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D014014:Tissue Adhesives