Mediastinitis and septic shock following esophageal or bronchopleural fistula are
rare but serious conditions with a high mortality rate. Six patients were treated
with open window thoracostomy (OWT) after primary suture repair and closed tube drainage
had failed to cure the patient's condition. In all cases the clinical condition improved
immediately. Two patients died later because of unrelated diseases. OWT should be
considered in critically ill patients with broncho- or esophagopleural fistula when
primary therapy fails to control the septic focus.
Bronchopleural fistula - Esophageal Perforation - Mediastinitis - Open window thoracostomy
