ObjectiveTo evaluate effect and safety of a novel conservative therapy for post-lobectomy bronchopleural fistula.
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 20 patients with post-lobectomy bronchopleural fistula in our hospital between 2000 and 2013 year. There were 12 males and 8 females at average age of 67.7±8.7 years. Endobronchial naso-bronchial lavage (ENBL) was used for 10 patients (an ENBL group). Traditional method-thoracostomy drainage tube (TDT) was used for the other 10 patients (a TDT group).
ResultsCompared with the TDT group, shorter hospital day was found in the ENBL group (49.7±9.6 d versus 68.3±9.8 d, P < 0.001). Fistula healing time was also shorter in the ENBL group than that in the TDT group (43.7±9.7 d versus 62.6±8.8 d, P < 0.001). There were lower complication rate, less inflammatory reaction, and better recovery in the ENBL group than those in the TDT group.
ConclusionENBL may be a promising procedure for post-lobectomy bronchopleural fistula.
