Open AccessSuccessful treatment of pyopneumothorax with bronchopleural fistula using endobronchial Watanabe spigots
Author(s) -
Chai Chan Sin,
Chan Swee Kim,
Kho Sze Shyang,
Yong Mei Ching,
Tie Siew Teck
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.562
Subject(s) - medicine , bronchopleural fistula , surgery , empyema , fistula , pneumonia , radiology , bronchoscopy , chest tube , lung , pneumonectomy , pneumothorax
Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) can complicate necrotizing pneumonia. Surgery would be indicated in patients who fail conservative management, yet this group is often of poor pulmonary function and general condition. Bronchial occlusion with endobronchial Watanabe spigots (EWS) can be a potential alternative treatment when the culprit bronchi can be isolated. In this case report, we describe a middle‐aged gentleman who presented with necrotizing pneumonia complicated with pyopneumothorax with right upper lobe BPF, and who had failed to respond to chest drainage and antibiotics. EWS bronchial occlusion finally led to cessation of air leak, allowing removal of chest tube. EWS were removed uneventfully six months later. This case highlights the role of EWS in the management of BPF in patients with high surgical risk.