Bronchopleural fistula: An update for intensivists

Abstract 

Bronchopleural fistula is a potentially fatal condition that may result after a variety of clinical conditions, most commonly after pulmonary resection. Either surgical or bronchoscopic repair is required to definitively correct these lesions, though a small number may resolve spontaneously with optimal ventilatory care and other options available to an intensivist in the management of this complex condition. The successful management of a bronchopleural fistula depends on formulating a treatment strategy tailored to individual patient needs.

Keywords: Bronchopleural fistula, Pleural drainage, Independent lung ventilation, High-frequency ventilation, Bronchoscopy