Dehiscence of Bronchial Anastomosis After Lung Transplantation: A Successful Unconventional Treatment

Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 Aug;106(2):e81-e83. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.02.058. Epub 2018 Mar 27.

Abstract

Anastomotic airway complications, including the dehiscence of the bronchial anastomosis, are a severe cause of morbidity after lung transplantation. We present a case of dehiscence treated by placing an uncovered metal stent into the main bronchus. We usually use this procedure for bronchial stenosis, but in this case, the stent favored the growth of granulation tissue and so the closure of the dehiscence. This procedure was minimally invasive and may be an alternative to an open repair, without precluding open repair in case of failure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Anastomotic Leak / diagnostic imaging
  • Anastomotic Leak / therapy*
  • Bronchi / surgery
  • Bronchoscopy / methods*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / diagnosis
  • Cystic Fibrosis / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Lung Transplantation / methods
  • Male
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / surgery*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Stents*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / diagnostic imaging
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / therapy
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome