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

A postpneumonectomy bronchial fistula is a very morbid complication that often requires major surgical procedures for treatment. Since patients with postpneumonectomy bronchial fistula and empyema are physiologically compromised, 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 instillation (modification of the Clagett procedure). Bronchoscopic and thoracoscopic treatment strategies that are appropriate for selected patients with postpneumonectomy bronchial fistula and empyema are discussed.