[The transsternal and transpericardial approach for surgical treatment of fistulas of the main bronchus after pneumonectomy (author's transl)].

The management of bronchopleural fistula after lung resection is discussed. The transsternal and transpericardial approach for surgical treatment of fistulas of the main bronchus after pneumonectomy is described. In 4 cases of 2000 lung resections occurred a bronchopleural fistula after right pneumonectomy. In all cases the fistula was closed definitive. In one case developed a fistula between the pleural space and the oesophagus after operation.