Fistula Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Fistula, including details on types, causes, treatment.

Free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for chronic postoperative empyema.

Jiang L, Jiang GN, He WX, Fan J, Zhou YM, Gao W, Ding JA

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University, Shanghai, China. jgnwp@yahoo.com.cn

Chronic postoperative empyema remains a challenge for thoracic surgeons. Free musculocutaneous flap transplantation may provide a good alternative option in the treatment of these refractory complications after pulmonary resections. Three patients with chronic postoperative empyemas combined with bronchopleural fistulas underwent obliteration of the empyema tracts with free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap transplantations. Surgical treatment was a two-stage procedure that consisted of open-window thoracostomy, followed by obliteration of the pleural cavity using a free transfer of the ipsilateral, full-thickness rectus muscle flap and microanastomoses. No postoperative complications occurred, and the 3 patients resumed normal daily activities. Free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap transplantation is safe and effective in the management of chronic postoperative empyema with bronchopleural fistula.

Published 23 May 2008 in Ann Thorac Surg, 85(6): 2147-9.
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