Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap repair of post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula: a case report

BACKGROUND: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a seldom encountered yet serious complication after thoracic surgery, and is often difficult to treat. Large BPFs usually require surgical intervention, and a variety of different surgical reconstruction options have been previously described. This case report presents the first description of a successful vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) free flap repair of a BPF after pneumonectomy. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 46-year-old male with a cough was found to have a right upper lobe lung mass with hilar involvement initially remarkable for epithelioid malignant mesothelioma on biopsy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, he underwent right extrapleural pneumonectomy and developed a late right mainstem BPF with associated empyema from adjuvant chemotherapy and COVID-19 pneumonia. He was treated with open Clagett window (OCW) to address the infection and then staged VRAM free flap coverage of the BPF. The patient recovered successfully and has since been able to pursue more demanding activities at home. CONCLUSIONS: This case presents the only successful VRAM free flap for a BPF involving the entire right mainstem bronchus at the carina. VRAM free flap repair offers a useful treatment option for BPFs, especially in patients with large pleural cavity defects.