2021 Volume 43 Issue 1 Pages 56-59
Background. Thoracic empyema with bronchopleural fistula is a troublesome condition that is sometimes difficult to treat with antibiotics and chest drainage. Thus, many cases require surgical treatment, such as open window thoracotomy. We report two cases of bronchopleural fistula that were successfully treated with occlusion by Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot (EWS). Case 1. A woman in her 40s underwent transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) after the detection of an abnormal shadow on her left lower lobe. She had fever and left chest pain after TBLB, and was diagnosed with thoracic empyema with bronchopleural fistula. The placement of an EWS at the left B9 successfully reduced the air leakage and the chest tube was removed. Case 2. A man in his 70s underwent right lower lobectomy. At five months after surgery, the patient complained of fever and cough. He was diagnosed with thoracic empyema and was hospitalized. Air leakage from the chest tube continued. He was treated with bronchial occlusion by EWS at the right B1 and B2. After the procedures, the air leakage from the chest tube disappeared and he was discharged to home. Conclusion. Bronchial occlusion by EWS was useful in the treatment of bronchopleural fistula and allowed surgery to be avoided.
