Current Thoracic Surgery

Background: Postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula is still one of the complications that are difficult and time-consuming to treat despite advances in surgical technique and technology. Although many surgical and non-surgical methods have been described in its treatment, there is no consensus on the optimal approaches. In this study, we aimed to share our experience in tracheobronchial stenting and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the modified silicone stents and J-shaped endobronchial selfexpandable nitinol stent in patients with postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula presenting with severe dyspnea and massive air leak.

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of the patients who underwent tracheobronchial stenting for postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula between January 2010 and December 2020 in our center. Two different endobronchial stent types were used. Modified silicone and covered self-expandable nitinol stent. The clinical features of the patients and the results of the intervention were evaluated.

Results: A total of 10 patients with bronchopleural fistulas were treated with tracheobronchial stenting. Modified silicone stent was used in 4, full covered J-shape nitinol stent was used in 6 patients. No complications were observed during the procedure. After the placement of the tracheobronchial stent, air leakage ceased in all patients and their dyspnea regressed significantly.

Conclusions: Tracheobronchial stents are an appropriate treatment option in patients with postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula presenting with severe dyspnea and massive air leak.