Successful Endobronchial Seal Of Surgical Bronchopleural Fistulas Using Bioglue

Postoperative bronchopleural fistula is uncommon, but it is associated with a high mortality and morbidity, and a prolonged hospital stay. Surgical treatment is gold standard, but it can prove challenging especially in the presence of infection. We describe three cases of bronchopleural fistula that developed after surgery for lung cancer in 1 patient and for bronchiectasis in 2 patients. All were successfully treated endoscopically by direct application of albumin-glutaraldehyde tissue adhesive (BioGlue; Cryolife Inc, Kennesaw, GA) through a rigid bronchoscope. Complete resolution was obtained in each patient within 24 hours. (Ann Thorac Surg 2009; 88: 1691-2) (C) 2009 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons