Closure of a bronchopleural fistula using a fibrin-glue coated collagen patch.

Bronchopleural fistulas can occur as a life-threatening sequelae after pulmonary resection. Two bronchopleural fistulas more than 3 mm in diameter were successfully treated by using a fibrin-glue coated collagen patch at the site of bronchopleural fistula under flexible bronchoscopic observation. This is the first report of the bronchoscopic closure of bronchopleural fistulas by using a fibrin-glue coated collagen patch. This treatment would be recommended for patients with a postoperative bronchopleural fistula with an orifice that is more than 3 mm in diameter.