Gastro-pleural fistula related with penetrating stab injuries of the chest and abdomen: laparotomy or thoracotomy.

A 30-year-old male presented with left side empyema due to gastro-pleural fistula following repair of penetrating stab injuries of left lower chest and abdomen. Exploratory thoracotomy was done due to persistent moderate amount of purulent discharge. However, fistula tract was not detected through this approach. The small fistula tract was repaired finally through laparotomy. We recommended the abdominal approach if the disease is not combined with diaphragmatic hernia. Transabdominal approach showed superiority in this rare entity.