Tailored airway stent: the new frontiers of the endoscopic treatment of broncho-pleural fistula

Broncho-pleural fistula (BPF) is the most dreaded and serious complication after lung resection. Despite the advancement in surgical technique, BPF still occurs between 4.5–20% after pneumonectomy, and 0.5–15% after lobectomy (1,2). It is associated with a significant mortality (ranging from 25% to 67%), and treatment remains a challenge especially in presence of concomitant empyema (3).