[Omentum Transplantation in Thorax to Cover Bronchial Stump as Treatment of Bronchopleural Fistula After Pulmonary Resection: Report of 6 Cases' Experience].

BACKGROUND

Bronchial pleural fistula (BPF) is a common complication after thoracic surgery for lung resection. Clinical treatment is complex and the effect is poor. The treatment of BPF after lung resection has plagued thoracic surgeons. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical and follow-up data of 6 patients in our hospital who underwent the omentum transplantation in thorax to cover bronchial stump as treatment of BPF after pulmonary resection to analyze why BPF occurs and describe this treatment method. We intend to discuss and evaluate the feasibility, safety and small sample success rate ofthis treatment method.

METHODS

During August 2016 to February 2018, six patients in our hospital underwent remedial open thoracotomy and omentum transplantation in pleura space to cover bronchial stump as treatment of bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection. Four patients had undergone a prior pneumonectomy and two patients had undergone a prior lobectomy (the residual lungs were resected with the main bronchus cut by endoscopic stapler during the reoperation). The bronchial stumps were sutured by 4-0 string with needle and covered by omentums, which were transplanted in pleura space from the cardiophrenic angle. Postoperatively, the pleura space was irrigated and drained. Summarize the clinical effect and technique learning points.

RESULTS

The patients were all males, aged 61 to 73 years (median age: 66). BPF occurred from postoperative day 10 to 45 (median postoperative day 25). The reoperation was finished in 80 mins-150 mins (median 110 mins). Total blood loss was 200 mL-1,000 mL (median 450 mL). These patients were discharged on postoperative day 12-17 (median 14 days), and there was no more complications associated with bronchopleural fistula. All six patients' bronchial stumps were well closed (100%) and have recovered well during the follow-up period, which lasted 1 month-18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Remedial operation should be performed as soon as possible when BPF after pulmonary resection diagnosed. Excellent prognoses can be achieved by omentum which is easy to get transplanted in thorax to cover bronchial stump as treatment in patients with BPF after pulmonary resection those who can tolerate reoperation.