Treatment of Empyema/Bronchopleural Fistula

Thoracic reconstruction represents one of the most challenging situations for a reconstructive surgeon. The resection of chest wall or pulmonary tumors allows for the development of a wide variety of complex wounds, many with significant dead spaces. Additionally, empyema and bronchopleural fistulas, while uncommon, represent potentially life threatening complications. The combination of new technology such as advanced biomaterials, advanced wound care modalities, and vascularized free tissue transfer have allowed these complex problems to be treated with low morbidity and mortality. The complexity of these operations requires a team approach including a cardiac or thoracic surgeon, a plastic surgeon, and intensive care specialists to provide advanced life support measures in the postoperative period. Closure and decontamination of these wounds can be achieved by following these principles: removal of infected necrotic tissue and foreign material via thorough debridement; repair of bronchopleural fistulas with muscle flaps; and minimization of any residual dead space with a combination of flaps and thoracoplasty, as needed. This review contains 18 figures, 3 tables, and 31 references. Keywords: bronchopleural fistula, chest wall reconstruction, intrathoracic dead-space, latissimus dorsi flap, muscle flaps, omental flap, pectoralis major flap, rectus abdominus flap