Persistent air leak successfully treated with endobronchial valves and digital drainage system

[Endoscopic bronchial valve treatment of bronchopleural fistala and air leakage]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate an effectiveness of endobronchial valve treatment of patients with bronchopleural fistulas and prolonged air leakage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endobronchial valve treatment was analyzed in 115 patients with bronchopleural fistulas or postoperative air leakage. All patients were divided into 5 groups depending on disease: bullous emphysema, acute purulent lung diseases, chronic purulent lung and pleural diseases, bullous emphysema complicated by pneumothorax with failed pleural cavity, other lung diseases associated with prolonged postoperative air leakage.

RESULTS

Endobronchial valve treatment was effective in more than 70% patients. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Endobronchial valve treatment is a highly effective minimally invasive method for treating patients with bronchopleural fistulas and postoperative air leakage.