Benign emptying of the postpneumonectomy space

Abstract

A drop in the air-fluid level in the postpneumonectomy space on a chest radiogram is an early sign of bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Any suspicion of BPF points to the need for urgent evaluation and appropriate management. Very rarely may this drop occur without the existence of a fistula, but such a condition is defined as benign emptying of the postpneumonectomy space. We share our successful conservative management in a case of postpneumonectomy space emptying with a suspicion of BPF.

Keywords

• Benign emptying
• bronchopleural fistula
• postpneumonectomy space