Early closure of the postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula by pedicled diaphragmatic flaps.

In the past, several methods for closure of postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula have been proposed. Herein we describe a technique to close a bronchopleural fistula using a mobilized diaphragmatic flap sutured directly to the fistula edges. This maneuver improves the blood supply to the bronchial stump and may reduce residual pleural cavity. To prevent bacterial contamination of the pleural space, the procedure should be performed immediately after the diagnosis.