Thymic Flap for Bronchial Stump Reinforcement After Lobectomy

Buttressing of the bronchial stump after pulmonary resection has been reported to decrease the prevalence of bronchopleural fistula. This adjuvant maneuver is most commonly performed in patients undergoing resection for infection or in those who have received preoperative radiation. The anatomic location of the upper lobe bronchus often makes it difficult to create a tension-free flap using muscle or pericardial fat. Parietal pleura is often mobilized for such cases. We present a case in which the parietal pleura was not available, and the right inferior pole of the thymus was used for bronchial coverage following upper lobectomy. (C) 2015 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons