Multidisciplinary team approach on a case of bronchopleural fistula after video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy: a case report

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is one of the most severe complications after lung surgery including pneumonectomy, lobectomy, and segmentectomy. BPF is dangerous and complicated. We reported a case of 41-year-old man who underwent a segmentectomy of the right lung through video-assisted thoracoscopy. The patient was diagnosed with BPFs by CT and the symptom of fever, cough with malodorous yellow phlegm. The patient underwent CT-guided thoracic catheter drainage treatment, as advised by a multidisciplinary team including experts from the thoracic surgery department, respiratory medicine department, and interventional department. Later, the patient underwent assisted postural drainage in combination with anti-infection treatment and nutritional support treatment. The patient recovered well. The patient’s symptoms were completely relieved. The bronchial stump fistula healed, and the chest abscess disappeared.