Evaluation of the Possible Risk Factors on Bronchial Closure Techniques for Bronchopleural Fistula after Lung Resection.

BACKGROUND: Broncho-pleural fistula (BPF) can occur after pulmonary resections as a complication with high morbidity and mortality rates.

AIM: In the present study, we analyzed the relation between the possible risk factors and the two major bronchial closure techniques for BPF after lung resections, and the management methods of BPF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 cases detected and managed with BPF diagnosis in our clinic between September 2005 and September 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. The cases were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=14); bronchial closure performed manually and Group 2 (n=12) bronchial closure with stapler. We analyzed cases for age, gender, body mass index, pulmonary function tests, time to fistula, total protein/albumin level, length of hospital stay, bronchial stump distance, presence of bronchial stump coverage, and the mean survivals.

RESULTS: Twenty-three of the cases were males (88.5%) with a mean age of 60.03±8.7 years (range 38-73). While BPF was detected in twenty-three (88.5%) of the cases after pneumonectomy, three (11.5%) of them were after lobectomy. There was no statistically significant correlation between the two groups in gender, age, BMI, preoperative FEV1, time to fistula, total protein/albumin level, length of hospital stay, bronchial stump distance, and presence of bronchial stump coverage (chi-square test, p>0.05). As a result of the applied Kaplan-Meier analysis, we found no statistically significant difference in the mean survival rates between the two groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Broncho-pleural fistulas still remains a major challenge. Although there is no statistical relationship between bronchial closure techniques and possible risk factors in our study, patients should be assessed in terms of possible risk factors. The management strategy for BPF varies according to individual patients’ clinical condition, the size of the fistula, and development time.