CLOSURE OF A BRONCHOPLEURAL FISTULA USING DECALCIFIED HUMAN SPONGIOSAAND A FIBRIN SEALANT

Bronchopleural fistulas associated with empyema can occur as a life-th reatening sequelae after pulmonary resection, most frequently occurrin g after pneumonectomy. With the use of the flexible bronchoscope, the bronchopleural fistula of a 62-year-old critically ill woman was perma nently sealed with a fibrin sealant and a small section of demineraliz ed human spongiosa. Closure of bronchopleural fistulas with the applic ation of fibrin sealant plus human spongiosa may offer a valuable addi tion to the armament of therapeutic alternatives. (C) 1997 by The Soci ety of Thoracic Surgeons.