title: Bronchopleural fistulas: an overview of the problem with special focus on endoscopic management.
abstract: A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a communication between the pleural space and the bronchial tree. Although rare, BPFs represent a challenging management problem and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. By far, the postoperative complication of pulmonary resection is the most common cause, followed by lung necrosis complicating infection, persistent spontaneous pneumothorax, chemotherapy or radiotherapy (for lung cancer), and tuberculosis. The treatment of BPF includes various surgical and medical procedures, and of particular interest is the use of bronchoscopy and different glues, coils, and sealants. Localization of the fistula and size may indicate potential benefits of surgical vs endoscopic procedures. In high-risk surgical patients, endoscopic procedures may serve as a temporary bridge until the patient's clinical status is improved, while in other patients endoscopic procedures may be the only option. Therapeutic success has been variable, and the lack of consensus suggests that no optimal therapy is available; rather, the current therapeutic options seem to be complementary, and the treatment should be individualized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital AZ-VUB, 101, Laarbeeklaan, B 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lois
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noppen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods; D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive