Laparoscopic partial gastrectomy for the treatment of gastropleural fistula

Gastropleural fistulas (GPF) are uncommon and can occur as a consequence of prior pulmonary surgery, trauma, or malignancy. Conservative management usually fails, requiring gastrectomy and even thoracotomy in these often debilitated patients. We present a patient with GPF confirmed by upper endoscopy and radiographic contrast examination, who underwent a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy and closure of the fistula. To our knowledge, this is the first such report in the English language literature. Laparoscopic treatment of GPF may be associated with less early morbidity and should be considered as the initial procedure of choice.