title: Bronchopleural Fistula and Empyema After Anatomic Lung Resection.
abstract: Empyema after anatomic lung resection is rare but causes serious morbidity, particularly if associated with a bronchopleural fistula. Careful assessment of preoperative risk factors and proper surgical technique can minimize risks. Empyema after segmentectomy or lobectomy may respond to simple drainage and antibiotics, or may require decortication with or without muscle transposition. After pneumonectomy, treatment principles include initial drainage of the intrathoracic space, closure of the fistula if present, and creation of an open thoracostomy, which is packed and later closed. Success rates can exceed 80%.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Academic Office 1, Room 6602, C-310, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zanotti
authors.affiliation: Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Academic Office 1, Room 6602, C-310, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Electronic address: john.mitchell@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010994:Pleura; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D016156:Respiratory Tract Fistula / Q000209:etiology*
keywords: Bronchopleural fistula; Clagett procedure; Decortication; Eloesser flap; Empyema