BRONCHOPLEURAL FISTULA IN TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS: SURGICAL CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Keywords:
bronchopleural fistula, tuberculosis, empyema, thoracic surgery, pulmonary complications, air leak, TB surgeryAbstract
Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly in patients with cavitary disease or following surgical resection. Characterized by abnormal communication between the bronchial tree and pleural space, BPF can lead to persistent air leaks, empyema, respiratory failure, and high mortality. This article reviews the etiology, clinical features, and diagnostic approaches to BPF in TB patients, while emphasizing current surgical and minimally invasive interventions. Through timely recognition and a tailored therapeutic strategy, BPF can be successfully managed, improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity in TB-endemic regions.
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