Obliteration of empyema space by vascularized anterolateral thigh flaps

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 May;87(5):1615-6. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.09.006.

Abstract

Closure of the fistula and an appropriate choice of obliterating agents are crucial for the treatment of empyema with bronchopleural fistula. The choice of the material to be used for obliteration of the pleural space is a difficult one in some patients, such as those with empyema, developing after omentectomy, laparotomy, posterolateral thoracotomy, and so forth. The use of free anterolateral thigh flaps for obliteration of the pleural space generally needs a satisfactory vascular network around the thorax. We report two successfully treated cases of empyema with bronchial fistula, which were otherwise difficult to manage, in which a free anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous flap anastomosed to the superior thyroid vessels used to obliterate the pleural space.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bronchial Fistula / etiology
  • Bronchial Fistula / surgery*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Empyema / surgery*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gastrectomy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery*
  • Peptic Ulcer / complications
  • Peptic Ulcer / surgery
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Treatment Outcome