Enterogenic empyema complicating colobronchial fistula: a case report

BACKGROUND: Enterogenic empyema is an uncommon complication of colobronchial fistula (CBF). We reported a case of enterogenic empyema patient after surgery for CBF. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old gentleman presented with persistent fever and repeated hemoptysis for 8 months. Computed tomography of the thorax confirmed the presence of a consolidation mass located in the right middle lobe and an air space near the right rib angle. During exploration, CBF was found. The patient underwent right middle and lower lobectomy together with closure of colonic and diaphragmatic perforation. The colon closure and diaphragm closure ruptured after surgery, leading to enterogenic empyema. Adequate drainage, sustained high protein diet, and antibiotic treatment eventually resulted in full recovery. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of enterogenic empyema complicating CBF.