Are precautions actually a risk factor in the development of bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy? A retrospective analysis of 299 cases

Bronchopleural fistula most commonly occurs after pneumonectomies, with high morbidity and mortality. A preventive approach is essential. Risk factors can be classified depending on the patient, anatomy, surgical technique, and other causes.

Patients (n = 370) who underwent pneumonectomy between 2010 and 2020 were evaluated. The digital media and archive files of the patients (n = 299) were reviewed retrospectively.

While 271 patients (90.6%) were male, 28 (9.4%) were female. The mean age was 56.63 years. The bronchopleural fistula rate was 14.7% (44/299). Serum protein deficiency, right pneumonectomy, completion pneumonectomy, bronchial manual suturing, advanced stage, prolongation of time after neoadjuvant therapy, length of drain and hospital stay, tissue support for the stump, and short bronchial stump were significant for bronchopleural fistula. Smoking in patients operated on for malignancy and low serum albumin value in benign and chronic infectious diseases were significant in terms of fistula. In patients who developed bronchopleural fistula, the 5-year survival rate was 18.4%.

The most important risk factors in bronchopleural fistula depend on the surgical technique and so are completely preventable. Contrary to the literature, short stump and tissue support to the stump were found to be risk factors for fistula. In addition, the effect of the time between neoadjuvant therapy and operation should be examined in further studies.