A Novel Approach: Treatment of Bronchial Stump Fistula With a Plugged, Bullet-Shaped, Angled Stent

Short-Term Outcomes of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy-guided Resection and Anastomosis Control in Thoracic Surgery

BACKGROUND

In thoracic surgery practice, bronchial closure and anastomosis are relatively easy in technical terms; however, it is also the procedure that is most open to the development of complications with high morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of simultaneous evaluation of bronchial closure under fiberoptic bronchoscopy guidance during lung resection on the development of complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients aged over 18 years who underwent elective lung resection in our clinic between 2017 and 2021 were included in the study. Postoperative complications were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 61.4±10.4 years, and 267 patients were male (75.4%) and 87 (24.6%) were female. Thoracotomy was performed in 258 (72.9%) patients and lung resection with the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technique in 96 (27.1%) patients. During the follow-up, complications were observed during the first 30 days in 78 (22.0%) of the patients and later in 9 (2.5%). Surgical mortality occurred in 11 patients (3.1%), and the rate of readmission to the intensive care unit was 5.6% (n=20).

CONCLUSION

We consider that the control of the resection line with the active use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy during surgery is important for the prevention of the development of bronchial morbidity. Complications in the early period can be reduced by ensuring that the remaining bronchus is not narrowed, there are no residual stump structures that may disrupt the bronchial line, such as cartilage, and bronchial washing is frequently undertaken.

Clinical Observation of Double Percutaneous Nephrostomy Combined with Ureter Occlusion Stent for Treating Cervical Cancer Complicated with Vesicovaginal Fistula

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of double percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) combined with ureter occlusion stent for treating cervical cancer complicated with vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 12 patients with cervical cancer complicated with VVF. Regardless of surgical resection, radiotherapy alone or combined chemoradiotherapy were carried out in all patients. After VVF was diagnosed by gynecological examination, imaging, and cystoscopy, concurrent double PCN and ureter occlusion stent implantation were performed for all patients. Results: All patients successfully received ureter occlusion stent implantation after nephrostomy. The success rate of nephrostomy and stent placement was 100% (12/12). After intervention, urinary fistula immediately disappeared in all patients. One week post-surgery, bilateral hydronephrosis disappeared in 4 patients, and their renal insufficiency and renal function returned to normal. One month after operation, 6 patients with genital eczema or ulcer and 5 patients with urinary tract infection were cured. During follow-up, there were no recurrence in urinary fistula, renal dysfunction, and other complications. Conclusion: Double PCN combined with ureter occlusion stent could effectively treat cervical cancer complicated with VVF hydronephrosis, urinary tract infection, and renal insufficiency and contribute to alleviate all kinds of clinical discomfort.

Treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula with interventional negative pressure drainage

OBJECTIVES

Bronchopleural fistula is a serious complication of pneumonectomy and lobectomy and results in a reduction in the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous drainage tube placement with continuous negative pressure drainage for the treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula.

METHODS

Data of 16 patients with peripheral bronchopleural fistula were retrospectively analyzed. A percutaneous thoracic drainage tube was placed under fluoroscopy and connected with a negative pressure suction device. The drainage tube was removed when the residual cavity disappeared on computed tomography.

RESULTS

All 16 patients underwent lobectomy, including 11 patients with lung cancer (68.8%), 4 patients with pulmonary infection (25.0%), and 1 patient with hemoptysis (6.3%). All patients underwent successful drainage tube placement on the first attempt with a technical success rate of 100%. No serious complications occurred during or after the procedure. The drainage tubes were adjusted 3.25 ± 2.24 times (range: 1-8 times). A total of 30 drainage tubes were used (average per patient, 1.88 ± 1.36 tubes). The cure time of 16 patients was 114.94 ± 101.08 days (range, 30-354 days). The median drainage tube indwelling duration was 87 days, and the 75th percentile was 117 days.

CONCLUSION

Interventional percutaneous thoracic drainage tube placement with continuous negative pressure drainage is an effective, safe, and feasible method for the treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula.

Long-term outcomes of tracheal stents removal under fluoroscopy guidance: comparison of tracheal fistulas and tracheal stenosis

Background

Endoscopic removal is the most common method for removal of tracheal stents. Few studies have reported the technique of fluoroscopy-guided stent removal for tracheal fistula and tracheal stenosis. We aimed to study the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided stent removal as well as the optimal duration for stent usage.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 152 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided stent removal from January 2011 to June 2017. Reasons for stent implantation were tracheal fistula in 85 patients (TF group), and tracheal stenosis in 67 patients (TS group). All patients underwent tracheal CT scans before stent removal and during follow up. The technical success rate, complications, and survival rate were compared between the two groups.

Results

The technical success rate of stent removal was 98.9 and 97.4%, respectively for the TF and TS group. Removal was routine for half of patients, and in the remainder, excessive granulation tissue was the common indications for stent removal, which was found after stenting at 142.1 ± 25.9 days in the TF group, and at 89.9 ± 15.0 day in the TS group. The total incidence of complications was 21.1 and 22.4%, respectively, for the TF and TS groups. Perioperative death occurred in one patient in the TF group, and two patients in the TS group. Recurrence of fistula or stenosis requiring re-stenting was the most comment complication in both groups. The 0.5-, 3-, 6-year survival rates were 90.3, 59.6, and 36.1% for TF group, and 80.4, 75.7, 75.7% for TS group.

Conclusions

Fluoroscopic removal of tracheal stents is safe and effective for both tracheal fistula and tracheal stenosis, with no significant difference in outcomes. Clinicians should pay attention to the risk of hemoptysis for patients with malignant tumors and a combination with endoscopic hemostasis may help improve its safety.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-020-01349-7.

Bronchopleural Fistula after Surgery: Therapeutic Efficacy of Bronchial Occluders

목적

수술 후 발생하는 기관지늑막루에 대한 bronchial occluder device (이하 BOD)의 유용성 및 효과성을 평가하고자 한다.

대상과 방법

2009년도부터 2019년까지 폐암 및 폐결핵으로 수술 후 발생한 7명의 기관지늑막루 환자들 중에 BOD 치료를 실시한 6명의 환자를 대상으로 하였다. 폐암 환자가 5명, 폐결핵 환자는 1명이었다. 남자가 5명, 여자가 1명이었으며 59세에서 74세(평균: 69세)이었다. 진단은 전산화단층기관지 촬영과 기관지내시경으로 실시하였다. 시술은 진단 후 1주에서 2주 사이에 실시하였다. 치료에 사용된 BOD의 기술적 성공 및 임상적 성공을 평가하였다. 시술 후 임상적 치료 효과와 생존 기간 및 부가적인 치료에 대하여 알아보았다.

결과

총 6명 환자 모두에서 시술을 성공적으로 실시하였다. 임상성공 5명에서 있었고, 1명에서는 임상부분성공이 있었다. 임상실패한 경우는 없었다. 기구의 이동이나 천공의 합병증은 없었다. 2명은 전산화단층기관지 촬영으로, 4명은 기관지내시경으로 기관지늑막루를 진단하였다. 수술은 폐엽절제술(lobectomy) 2명, 폐이엽절제술(bilobectomy) 2명, 그리고 전폐절제술(pneumonectomy) 2명이었다. 수술 후 진단까지 걸린 시간은 1개월에서 34개월(평균: 10개월)이었다. 4명(59~103일: 평균 80.5일)은 사망하였고 2명(313일, 3331일)은 생존하였다. 사망 원인이 2명은 기저질환의 악화, 1명은 폐부종 및 흉수, 1명은 폐렴이었다. 한 명에서 부가적인 카테타 배액술, 2명에서 흉관 삽입을 유지하였다.

결론

폐절제 수술 후 발생할 수 있는 기관지늑막루 치료에 있어서 BOD는 유용하고 효과적인 치료 방법이다.

Treat bronchopleural fistula after right lower lobectomy by extra right middle lobectomy-a neglected approach

OBJECTIVES

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after right lower lobectomy (RLL), although uncommon, is associated with high mortality rates. This study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of extra right middle lobectomy (ERML) in the management of BPF after RLL.

METHODS

We investigated 12 consecutive patients who were treated at our hospital for BPF occurring after RLL. The diagnosis of BPF was established by bronchoscopy in all cases and BPFs were treated by ERML. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year after ERML to assess treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

The severity of infection and malnutrition after BPF was different for different patients. All patients agreed to undergo ERML. The procedure was uneventful in all cases, and there were no cases of perioperative complications or death. The median duration of hospitalization after ERML was 10.5 (range 6-21) days. Postoperative pathological examination showed the presence of hyperaemia and oedema in the BPF stump, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the stroma. The fresh stump of the bronchus intermedius was well structured. Patients were followed up for a median duration of 27 (range 12-41) months. The BPFs were successfully treated in all patients, and a new BPF did not develop in the new fresh stump in any of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

ERML aimed at creating a fresh stump for quick healing could be alternative for treating BPF after RLL.

Double stent insertion for combined malignant airway and superior vena cava obstruction

The present study sought to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of double stent insertion as a means of managing combined malignant airway and superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction (CMASO).From July 2010 to January 2018, twelve consecutive patients with CMASO were treated by double stent insertion (airway and SVC stents) in our centers. We assessed data pertaining to both technical and clinical success rates, as well as to long-term patient outcomes.The use of double stents (12 airway stents and 19 SVC stents) was technically successful in all study subjects, with a 0 to 92 days period between the 2 stent insertions (mean 27.8 days). Patients did not show evidence of any procedure-related complications. Mean patient Hugh-Jones grades improved from 4.4 ± 0.5 before inserting the airway stent down to 1.2 ± 0.4 following this insertion (P < .001). Mean SVC pressure was reduced from 17.5 ± 2.8 mm Hg before the stent insertion down to 6.7 ± 1.4 mm Hg following this insertion (P < .001). Fifty-six days after insertion, a single patient experienced re-obstruction of their SVC stent. All patients died within the follow-up period, with a median survival time of 113 days for these 12 patients.This double stent insertion protocol is both effective and safe as a means of offering palliative care to those with CMASO.

Combined Y-Shaped Covered Metallic Stents for Gastrobronchial Fistulas Involving the Right Intermediate Bronchus

Gastrobronchial fistula that involves the right intermediate bronchus is an extremely rare complication of esophagectomy. In this report, two patients with gastrobronchial fistulas around the secondary right carina were treated by combined Y-shaped covered metallic stents. Four covered stents were inserted successfully at the first attempt with no complications. The gastrobronchial fistula was fully sealed in each patient, and they were able to eat without coughing.

Metallic small y stent placement at primary right carina for bronchial disease

Background

Metallic large Y stent placement has been used mainly for airway disease around the main carina. However, few studies have reported this treatment for bronchial disease around the primary right carina.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients were treated by small y stent. All stents were custom-designed and placed under fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical and imaging data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Thirty-one stents were successfully inserted in 28 patients. Twenty-five patients succeed at the first attempt (89.3%), and 3 patients needed a second attempt. Twelve complications occurred in 10 patients (35.7%). Stent restenosis and sputum retention were the most common complications. Five patients underwent successful stent removal due to complications or cure efficacy. During follow up, 17 patients died of tumors and one died of myocardial infarction. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 49.3, 19.6 and 19.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Metallic small y stent placement is technically feasible, effective and safe for bronchial disease around the primary right carina.

Multiple Bifurcated Covered Self-Expanding Metallic Stents for Complex Tracheobronchial Fistulas or Stenosis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of bifurcated covered self-expanding stents for the treatment of complex tracheobronchial fistulas or stenosis.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients were treated by multiple bifurcated covered airway stents (Micro-Tech Co. Ltd., Nanjing, China), including 18 cases of gastrobronchial or gastrotracheal fistula, 6 cases of bronchopleural fistula and 4 cases of severe tracheobronchial stenosis. The large bifurcated covered stent was placed at the main carina, and the small stents were inserted into primary right carina or secondary left carina. Clinical and imaging data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Stents were successfully inserted in 27 patients at the first attempt. In total, 29 large bifurcated covered stents, 27 small bifurcated covered stents and 5 small bifurcated covered single-plugged stents were inserted. All patients with fistula could resume eating without coughing after the procedure. No perioperative death or severe complications occurred. Two patients underwent stent removal due to intolerance of stenting; the clinical success rate was 93% (26/28). Nineteen complications were found in 12 patients; 8 patients needed stent removal or replacement, for a major complication rate of 29% (8/28). Eight patients underwent successful stent removal due to complications. Fifteen patients died of tumors and one patient died of pulmonary infection. The median survival was 33 months. Fistula recurrence was found in one patient 5 months after stenting, and second small bifurcated covered stent was inserted.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple bifurcated covered metallic stenting is effective and safe for complex tracheobronchial fistulas or stenosis, with good symptom palliation.

Effect of cauterizing esophageal mucosa in "double-patch" treatment for acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula/bronchogastric stump fistula

BACKGROUND

The management of acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and bronchogastric stump fistula (BGSF) is a challenge. This study aimed to assess the "double-patch" technique with or without esophageal mucosa in treating nonmalignant TEF and BGSF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a dog model with TEF by incising the esophageal and tracheal membranes and suturing them together. The dogs were divided into three groups (n = 12 per group). Groups A and B received a double-patch 7 d later. The esophageal mucosa of the patches was cauterized in the group A dogs, kept intact in group B dogs, and group C dogs did not receive surgical intervention. Tissue healing was measured using hydroxyproline levels.

RESULTS

Morphologic and histopathologic changes of the esophagus were assessed by gross observation of the specimens, hematoxylin and eosin staining, tracheal stenosis index, and hydroxyproline levels. On day 56 after surgery, group A showed a tracheal stenosis index comparable with that of group C (0.140 ± 0.009 versus 0.138 ± 0.014, P = 1.00), whereas group B showed a higher stenosis index (0.170 ± 0.007) than group C (P = 0.029). The hydroxyproline levels were higher in group A than in B and C on day 7 (P = 0.029), and this difference was statistically significant on days 14 and 56 (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an esophageal "double-patch" technique without mucosa showed faster and more stable recovery than patches with mucosa in the repair of acquired nonmalignant complicated TEF and BGSF.

Right bronchopleural fistula treated with a novel, Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, metallic airway stent

BACKGROUND

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an infrequent but life-threatening complication after pneumonectomy. The incidence of BPF reported in the literature varies from 0.3% to 20%.

PURPOSE

To determine the feasibility and efficacy of using Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, metallic stents to treat right bronchopleural fistulas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have designed a Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, self-expandable, metallic airway stent to fit the specific anatomy of the right main bronchus. The stent has a main tube and two branches, resembling an inverted "Y". One of the branches is closed (plugged) and bullet-shaped; the other one tubular and open. The entire stent is encased in a nitinol wire mesh. Stent size can be individualized using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) measurements of the airways. Under fluoroscopic guidance, we have implanted 15 Y-shaped stents in 15 patients with right bronchopleural fistulas.

RESULTS

Stent insertion was successful in all patients. All fistulas were successfully closed immediately after stent placement. Follow-up was performed for 1-34 months. Positive clinical outcomes were seen in 13 of 15 patients. Two patients died of intractable pulmonary infection and multiorgan failure. The fistula completely healed and the stent could be removed in five patients; however, two of them were left with a small, aseptic, residual right lung cavity. The remaining eight patients are still alive with the stent in situ.

CONCLUSION

The placement of Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, self-expandable metallic airway stents seems to be a feasible and safe method for the treatment of bronchopleural fistulas involving the right main bronchus. This stent is a promising therapeutic alternative for bronchopleural fistulas involving the right main bronchus.

Experimental lung collapse following deployment of a self-expandable bronchial occluder in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVES

Closure of a bronchopleural fistula is required to prevent fatal empyema or aspiration pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of bronchial occlusion with a self-expandable occluder to induce experimental lung collapse in a rabbit model.

METHODS

10 bronchial occluders (wine glass appearance; 8 mm in diameter and 15 mm in length) were implanted in the native left main bronchi of 10 rabbits via an endotracheal route. We analysed the following: (1) diameters and morphological changes of the bronchial occluders during follow-up; (2) percentage volume of the collapsed lung during follow-up; and (3) complications and gross pathology. 1-day and 2-week follow-up CT scans were routinely obtained. Rabbits were sacrificed 4 weeks after the experiment.

RESULTS

In all 10 rabbits, the bronchial occluders were successfully implanted and were completely expanded within 2 weeks. Complete collapse of the left lung occurred in three rabbits on day 1 and in an additional two rabbits 2 weeks following implantation. Two other rabbits maintained the percentage volume of the collapsed lung between 51% and 99% during follow-up; the other three rabbits had <50% during follow-up. Pneumothoraces occurred in nine rabbits, but completely resolved at the 2-week follow-up. Right lung herniation across the midline progressed 2 weeks after occluder implantation.

CONCLUSION

Placement of self-expandable occluders in a rabbit bronchus model was feasible and showed a potential to induce artificial lung collapse. While pneumothoraces were common, they resolved during follow-up.

Bronchopleural fistula treated with a silicone-covered bronchial occlusion stent

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF), one of the potentially fatal complications after pulmonary resection, remains a therapeutic challenge. We present a case of postpneumonectomy BPF successfully managed with a silicone-covered bronchial occlusion stent. The BPF was successfully occluded without complications, and there was no stent migration or any other problem seen at the 1-year follow-up. This novel technique can be an effective option for the treatment of postoperative BPF.

Silver nitrate through flexible bronchoscope in the treatment of bronchopleural fistulae

OBJECTIVE

Bronchopleural fistula is a severe complication after pneumonectomy or lobectomy. Local application of silver nitrate to seal bronchopleural fistulae was reported once 25 years ago with considerable success but was never repeated. We aimed to develop and evaluate a concrete technique of applying silver nitrate through a flexible bronchoscope to treat bronchopleural fistulae in central airways.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with small (<or=5 mm) bronchopleural fistulae in proximal airways were included in the study. After measurement of bronchopleural fistula size through a flexible videobronchoscopy, a standard bronchoscopic cytology brush covered with silver nitrate was passed through the working channel of the scope and was rubbed against the fistula's orifice producing blanching and edema on the mucosa. This procedure was repeated until closure of the fistula's orifice (treatment success) or absence of any tissue response after 2 bronchoscopic sessions (treatment failure).

RESULTS

Of 16 patients referred, 5 were excluded from treatment because of large (>5 mm) fistulae. Among the 11 treated patients (median fistula diameter 3 mm, range 2-5 mm), treatment failure was observed in 2 patients in whom treatment was attempted early (15 days postsurgery). In the remaining 9 patients, treatment success was achieved (81.8% success rate) after a median of 2.5 (range 1-10) applications of silver nitrate. After 11 (0.5-24) months of follow-up, no relapse was observed among successfully treated fistulae.

CONCLUSION

The local application of silver nitrate through a flexible bronchoscopic brush produced a burn and healing process on the mucosa of small bronchopleural fistulae of the central airways, leading to effective and lasting treatment in most cases.