Prevention of bronchial fistulas after pneumonectomies for selected cavitary drug resistant lung tuberculosis.

Background: The World Health Organization guidelines for management drug resistant tuberculosis include surgery as an additional method in selected cases. Pneumonectomies have higher risk of morbidity such as bronchial fistulas which may be prevented by bronchial stump covering. We compare two methods of bronchial stump reinforcement.

Endoscopic closure of a bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy with the Amplatzer occluder: a step forward?

Objectives: A bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy is a relatively rare but very serious complication. The development of endoscopic methods of treatment opens a new page in treating this condition. The goal of this paper was to confirm that the atrial septal defect Amplatzer device can be used for bronchopleural fistula closure in properly selected patients.

Surgery for huge mediastinal tumors.

Background: Mediastinal tumors can reach a huge size and give rise to serious surgical and oncological problems.

Methods: A review of 18 patients with huge mediastinal tumors was performed. Ages ranged from 16 to 61 years, and 10 were male.