OBJECTIVETo analyze the risk factors which influencing the development of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) in pulmonary resections for lung cancer. To clarify the preventive techniques and treatment strategies of BPF.

METHODSReview the clinical data of 32 patients of postpneumonectomy BPF from 965 patients accepted pneumonectomy for lung cancer from May 1987 to May 2007. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by the logistic regression procedure to identify the significant risk factors for BPF in 965 pulmonary resections for lung cancer.

RESULTSThe prevalence of BPF was 3.3% (32/965). BPF occurred in the right main bronchial stump in 28 patients, left main bronchial stump in 4 patients. The significant risk factors for BPF formation were right pneumonectomy, preoperative irradiation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, bronchial stump more than 2 cm and hypoalbuminemia. Multivariate analysis identified right pneumonectomy, preoperative radiotherapy and hypoalbuminemia as the risk factors of BPF. Successful closure of BPF was achieved in 13 patients (40.6%). The fistula was successfully closed in 5 of 6 patients who had received biologic glues applied bronchoscopically with a fistula less than 3 mm. Pedicled omentum was successfully used for the treatment in 5 of 6 patients with a fistula more than 3 mm.

CONCLUSIONSRight pneumonectomy, high-dose preoperative radiation therapy and hypoalbuminemia are risk factors for postpneumonectomy BPF. Biologic glues can be applied bronchoscopically to achieve endobronchial closure of the fistula less than 3 mm. Omentoplasty is useful for the fistula more than 3 mm.