Postpneumonectomy oesophagopleural fistula (OPF) is a devastating Situation occurring
in 0.2-1.0% of the patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Distinction is made between
OPF appearing after pneumonectomy for chronic inflammation and suppuration, and OPF
after pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Early and late fistulas (the former appearing
within three months of the operation) are found in both groups. We report a case of
OPF occurring almost five years after pneumonectomy for malignant lymphoma of the
lung. Common signs of OPF are postpneumonectomy empyema and presence of previously
ingested food particles in the empyema cavity. Treatment is extremely difficult and
prolonged.and often not successful. Amelioration of the nutritional status, drainage
of the postpneumonectomy space and closure of the fistula by injecting a sclerosing
substance should be attempted. If this fails, the fistula should be closed by direct
suture reinforced by a muscular or omental flap.
Pneumonectomy complication - Postpneumonectomy empyema - Oesophagopleural fistula
- Lymphoma of the lung
