The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Sep 2013
Conservative management of postoperative bronchopleural fistulas.
A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a serious complication after pulmonary resection and carries a high mortality rate. It remains a therapeutic challenge. The lack of a consensus suggests that no optimal therapy is available; however, endoscopic closure of a fistula may avoid extensive and potentially risky surgery. ⋯ BPF is a severe complication in thoracic surgery. The combination of pleural drainage, adequate antibiotic treatment, and mucosal application of silver nitrate, through a flexible bronchoscope, is an efficient alternative and avoids extensive surgical intervention.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Sep 2013
Early surgical therapy of infective endocarditis in children: a 15-year experience.
Infective endocarditis is rare in children but potentially carries high mortality and morbidity. Few data exist regarding surgical therapy and the associated outcomes in children with infective endocarditis. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of children undergoing surgery for infective endocarditis. ⋯ Children with infective endocarditis can undergo successful early surgical therapy with a low risk of septic embolization, recurrence, and operative mortality.