Bronchoblockade of the left main bronchus due to a bronchopleural fistula of the stump.
A 49-year-old male patient. On August 1, 2017, a left-sided pneumonectomy was performed on vital indications due to pulmonary tuberculosis. Several weeks after surgery, stump insufficiency developed, leading to pyopneumothorax. The patient’s condition progressively worsened; therefore, closure of the left main bronchus with a valvular bronchial blocker was decided.
Under general anesthesia and using rigid bronchoscopy, a MEDLUNG No. 20 bronchial blocker was placed in the left main bronchus. Immediately after the procedure, air leakage from the drainage ceased, and complete airtightness was achieved.
Eighteen days later, the patient expectorated the blocker. A repeat bronchoblockade was performed under local anesthesia, after which the patient was discharged home in improved clinical condition.
At 3-month follow-up, the patient’s clinical condition had significantly improved. He had gained 7 kg in body weight. Radiologically, the hemothorax had regressed, and fibrotic thorax changes were noted.
