The extrapleural treatment of main bronchial stump fistulae using a contralateral approach.

When dealing with a left main bronchial stump fistula with chronic empyema, a contralateral extrapleural approach is recommended for reamputation and closure at both the proximal and distal sections. By these means a secure closure can be achieved and, at the same time, infection of the pleural cavity on the right side can be avoided, the preserved and unopened mediastinal pleura reliably covers the operative site, and postoperative respiratory disturbances can also be avoided.