Bronchoscopic sclerotherapy combined with thoracoscopic drainage for postpneumonectomy bronchial fistula and empyema

A postpneumonectomy bronchial fistula is a very morbid complication that of ten requires major surgical procedures for treatment. Since patients with p ostpneumonectomy bronchial fistula and empyema are physiologically compromi sed, corrective surgical interventions pose considerable risk. We report a case of a postpneumonectomy fistula with an associated empyema. Our patient 's empyema was treated with thoracoscopic debridement and antibiotic instil lation (modification of the Clagett procedure). Bronchoscopic and thoracosc opic treatment strategies that are appropriate for selected patients with p ostpneumonectomy bronchial fistula and empyema are discussed.