The patient in her 70’s underwent right pneumonectomy (lung resection) for cancer. Subsequently she developed a right bronchopleural fistula – communication between the lung (bronchus) and the pleural space.

The patient presented with coughing, fever and chest pain in the post-operative period. Several surgeries including fistula closure with a muscle flap have been attempted. Despite aggressive treatment the fistula persisted.

Age over 60years, right pneumonectomy and subsequent radiation/chemotherapy are all the risk factors for the development of a bronchopleural fistula.