Bronchial fistula management. Is the exit found?

Abstract

AIM: To present treatment of bronchial fistulas by using of occluders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the period from March 2015 to October 2016 Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) occluders have been used for bronchial fistulas occlusion (Lepu Medical Technology Co., Ltd.; Lifetech Scientific Co., Ltd.). These are devices designed to close ventricular and atrial septal defects. The procedure was performed in 8 patients with main bronchus fistula occurred after pulmonectomy for tuberculosis in 5 patients and lung cancer in 3 patients. Fistulas' dimensions were 6-26 mm. The procedure was performed with double visualization from pleural cavity (through the thoracostomy and port-assisted approach) and from bronchial lumen. RESULTS: Seven out of 8 patients are currently alive (1 patient died from advanced tuberculosis of single lung). Occlusion is adequate in 6 patients, air drainage around around the occluder is noted in 1 patient. In 1 patient esophageal-pleural fistula occurred besides bronchial fistula. There was significant 2-3-fold decrease of residual pleural cavities volume and output volume. Patients feel satisfactory.