Previous Suture Type and Diameter of Fistula Predict Overall Repair Success for Post-Pneumonectomy Bronchopleural Fistulas

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes for patients who developed post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (BPF) and to identify factors that may influence the success of these treatment methods.

Methods: A cohort of 60 patients diagnosed with resistant BPF following pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer was included in the study. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on the efficacy of the BPF closure methods: successful closure and failed closure. Data on demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics, surgical procedures, oncologic treatment status, laboratory parameters at the time of BPF diagnosis, fistula diameter, and bronchial stump length were collected. The effectiveness of bronchoscopic treatments and advanced surgical procedures was analyzed.

Results: Of the 60 patients included in the study, 55 (95%) were male, with a mean age of 61.6 ± 9.4 years. Multivariate analysis identified fistula diameter and the type of previous suture as significant predictors of BPF closure success ( p = 0.024 and 0.008, respectively).

Conclusion: Fistula diameter and previous suture type are critical determinants of the success of post-pneumonectomy BPF closure.