Videothoracoscopy and muscle flaps in the treatment of bronchial stump fistula.
The aim of the paper is to report our surgical technique applied for treatment of broncho-pleural fistula (BPF) as well as the results of the treatment. From 1992 to 1998 we performed 127 pneumonectomies for lung cancer. In 5 cases (3.9%) bronchial stump insufficiency developed postoperatively. Three patients were treated by means of videothoracoscopy (the Multifire Endo Hernia Stapler was used to clipped the fistula). Rethoracotomy with myoplasty was performed four times in 3 patients. In one patient both the methods were employed. In 2 out of 3 cases videothoracoscopic treatment was successful and the patients were discharged without signs of BPF and pleural empyema. In one case the recurrence of the fistula occurred and the stump of the bronchus was successfully covered with the pectoral musce flap 3 days later. In two cases after rethoracotomy and myoplasty (one of them was reoperated twice) the recurrence of BPF occurred and both the patients died due to cardiopulmonary failure. Despite the limited experience, we think videothoracoscopy is worth considering as a tool for treatment of BPF.