How do you manage Bronchopleural fistula?

BPFs do not typically spontaneously undergo closure and almost always require some surgical or bronchoscopic intervention. All patients with a BPF should have a chest tube placed to drain air. In cases of an empyema, infected pleural fluid should be drained, and antibiotics should be initiated.

Does a Bronchopleural fistula cause a pneumothorax?

One mechanism underlying spontaneous pneumothorax in the case of malignancy is the development of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF), a channel between the bronchial and pleural space created by direct tumor invasion into the pleural space, tumor necrosis as a result of treatment, or vascular occlusion within a tumor …

What is empyema Bronchopleural fistula?

Pleural Effusion and Empyema A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a communication between the pleural space and the bronchial tree. Although rare, BPF can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. 134. Postoperative complications for lobectomy, and especially pneumonectomy, are the most common causes.

What causes BPF?

BPF may result from a lung neoplasm, necrotizing pneumonia, empyema, blunt and penetrating lung injuries, and a complication of surgical procedures. Lung resection is the most common cause of BPF, and this chapter will focus more on this topic.

What is a Bronchopleural fistula?

A bronchopleural fistula is a direct connection between the bronchus and atmosphere by way of the pleural space and tube thoracostomy.

Is PEEP contraindicated in pneumothorax?

It is contraindicated in the pres- ence of hyperexpanded lungs (emphysema, and asthma) and cardiogenic or hypovole- mic shock. While an increased incidence of pneumothorax occurs with the use of PEEP, this may be due as much to the disease as the treatment.

What is a Pneumatocele?

Pneumatoceles are air-filled cavitary lesions usually seen in the lung after infection, trauma, or as a part of more extensive cystic disease of the lung.