Closure of bronchopleural fistulas by an omental pedicle flap

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 152; no. 1; pp. 40 - 42
• Main Authors: Iverson, Leigh I.G., Young, J.Nilas, Ecker, Roger R., Ennix, Coyness L., Lau, Glen, Stallone, Robert, Grimes, Orville, May, Ivan A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.07.1986; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Bronchial Fistula - etiology; Bronchial Fistula - surgery; Fistula - etiology; Fistula - surgery; Humans; Medical sciences; Omentum - blood supply; Omentum - transplantation; Pleural Diseases - etiology; Pleural Diseases - surgery; Pneumology; Pneumonectomy - adverse effects; Respiratory system : syndromes and miscellaneous diseases; Skin Diseases - etiology; Skin Diseases - surgery; Surgical Flaps; Human; Bronchopleural; Pedicle flap; Respiratory disease; Surgery; Omentum; Fistula; Surgical closure
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-9610(86)90134-0

Bronchopleural cutaneous fistulas are a serious problem that are difficult to treat with any assurance of success. Thoracoplasty, muscle pedicle grafts, and attempts at reclosure have been used with limited success. We have used the omental flap technique in the management of five patients with bronchopleural cutaneous fistulas. In our patients and in four cases in the literature, the success rate has been 100 percent. The omental pedicle flap is a simple way to close bronchopleural fistulas. It avoids extensive chest wall dissection and destruction in patients who often have marked respiratory embarrassment and other underlying disease. The results have been excellent.