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Postoperative perforation in the bronchus intermedius membrane after a primary lung cancer resection

Yuji Hirami1, Shinichi Toyooka, Yoshifumi Sano

  • 1Department of Cancer and Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan. yhirami@med.kawasaki-m.ac.jp

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
|November 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Postoperative perforation in the bronchus intermedius membrane (PBIM) is a rare complication after lung cancer surgery. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention led to successful treatment in all four reported cases.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Surgical Complications
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Primary lung cancer resection involves complex surgical procedures.
  • Systemic lymph node dissection, including subcarinal nodes (Station 7), is a critical component.
  • Rare complications like bronchus intermedius membrane perforation can occur post-surgery.

Observation:

  • Four cases of postoperative perforation in the bronchus intermedius membrane (PBIM) were identified after lung cancer resection.
  • Clinical signs included sputum-like pleural effusion, hypoxia, inflammation, pneumothorax, and infected effusion.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via bronchofiberscopy.

Findings:

  • Surgical interventions included direct suturing with omental flap, completion bilobectomies, or completion pneumonectomy.
  • All surgical repairs were augmented with omental or intercostal muscle flaps.
  • All four patients were successfully treated with the implemented surgical strategies.

Implications:

  • PBIM is a significant postoperative complication requiring timely recognition and management.
  • Various surgical techniques can effectively manage PBIM, ensuring positive patient outcomes.
  • This case series highlights successful treatment modalities for PBIM after lung cancer surgery.

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