Overview of Bronchopleural Fistula Management, with a Focus on Bronchoscopic Treatment

Purpose of Review This review presents an overview of the management of bronchopleural fistula with a special focus on bronchoscopic treatment. Recent Findings Bronchopleural fistula is a common complication of lung resection. Once this complication occurs, morbidity and mortality are significant. Surgical repair leads to definitive management; however, most patients with bronchopleural fistula who underwent resection are too frail to undergo a second surgical procedure. In patients who are poor surgical candidates, bronchoscopic treatment has emerged as an excellent treatment option. Bronchoscopy allows for the instillation of sclerosing agents, glues or placement of various devices to seal the airway defect such as endobronchial valves and stents. Success rates of bronchoscopic management have been high; however, few studies have been published. Summary Bronchoscopic techniques for the management of bronchopleural fistulas have gained ground for transient or even definitive fistula closure. Endobronchial valves and stents are useful alternatives, especially for patients for whom surgery is a high-risk procedure.