Abstract
A postoperative bronchiopleural fistula associated with empyema of the chest is a serious complication in thoracic surgery, in particular when it develops after pneumonectomy. Some patients are in a condition which threatens their life and rules out extensive surgical interventions.
Immediate thoracic drainage, thoracoscopic revision and sanation of the empyema cavity and endoscopic closure of the fistula are in indicated cases a therapeutic alternative of open surgical procedures. The justification of these miniinvasive procedures is confirmed by the submitted case-record of a successfully cured fistula associated with empyema of the chest after pneumonectomy.
At the same time, based on assembled experience, the authors draw attention to the possible use of a stent.