Closure of Bronchopleural Fistula with Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Closure of bronchopleural fistula remains a difficult challenge for clinicians. Although several therapeutic approaches have been proposed, the clinical results are commonly unsatisfactory. Previous reports have indicated that autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are useful for aiding treatment of bronchopleural fistula. We report here the use of umbilical cord MSCs to effect the successful closure of a bronchopleural fistula (5 mm) in a 33-year-old woman 6 months after a lobectomy. A review of the relevant literature is included. The use of MSCs may be a promising therapeutic method for the closure of bronchopleural fistula. Randomized controlled trials with larger samples are required.