Bronchoscopic sclerosis of post-resectional bronchial fistulas

Pulmonary resection is, by far, the primary cause of bronchial fistula. This is a severe complication because of its morbidity and mortality and the related consumption of resources. Definitive closure continues to be a challenge with several therapeutic options, but none are optimal. We describe our experience in bronchoscopic application of ethanolamine and lauromacrogol 400 for the treatment of post-resection bronchial fistulas.

Clinical records of 8 patients treated using this technique were collected prospectively. The diagnosis of a fistula was confirmed by flexible bronchoscopy. Sclerosis was indicated in the context of multimodal treatment. Sclerosant injection was performed under general anesthesia with a Wang 22G needle through a flexible bronchoscope. The procedure was repeated at 2-week intervals until definitive closure of the fistula was confirmed.

Fistula closure was achieved in 7 (87.5%) of the 8 patients, with persistence of the fistula in one patient who could not complete the treatment because of recurrence of his neoplastic pathology. No recurrence or complications related to the technique were registered.

Bronchoscopic sclerosis by means of submucosal injection of lauromacrogol 400 or ethanolamine should be part of the multimodal treatment of bronchopleural fistula after lung resection, pending further studies that contribute to the accurate establishment of optimal indications for this procedure.