Multiple bronchopleural fistulas resolved with combination stent therapy

Abstract

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare yet severe complication following lobectomy, with no standardized treatment protocol established. We present a case of a 65-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who developed multiple BPFs postresection of the right lower lobe due to lung cancer and with tumor recurrence and metastasis. We employed a comprehensive management strategy comprising rigorous infection control, meticulous chest drainage, antitumor treatment, and targeted deployment of bronchial stents. This approach not only resolved the BPFs but also achieved a complete response of the lung cancer, extending progression-free survival to over 3 years.

Keywords

• bronchopleural fistula
• endoscopic intervention
• lung cancer
• tracheal bronchial stents