Bronchopleural fistula in the surgery of non-small cell lung cancer: incidence, risk factors, and management.

Abstract

A BPF remains a major complication in the surgery of NSCLC because of its high mortality and morbidity rate. A BPF is more common after right-sided pneumonectomy and is frequently associated with postoperative mechanical ventilation. The management varies according to the initial type of surgery, the size of the BPF, the overall patient condition and that of the remaining lung. Endoscopic treatment is reserved only for small fistulas associated with poor general condition.