Bronchopleural Fistula after Pulmonary Resection: Risk Factors, Diagnoses and Management

Abstract

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after a pulmonary resection is rare with some of the most life-threatening consequences and a high mortality rate. Contamination of the pleural space resulting in empyema and spillage of the infected fluid into the remaining lung leading to respiratory distress remain the biggest concerns with BPF postoperatively. There are many patient characteristics and risk factors that can be evaluated to decrease the chance of a postoperative BPF. Presentation of BPF can be early or late with the late BPF more difficult to diagnosis and manage. Many options to treat BPF include surgical repair, conservative management, and endoscopic treatment.