Esophagopleural fistula originating from diverticulum after pneumonectomy. A case report and review of the literature

Esophagopleural fistula (EPF) is a very rare and fatal disease. A 56 year-old man developed a pyothorax resulting from an EPF with esophageal diverticulum after a right pneumonectomy. The patient was successfully treated with a three-stage operation and control of infection and nutritional status. First, fenestration was performed, then an ante-thoracic gastroplasty, and a radical thoracoplasty was performed. Surgical management, nutritional support, and control of infection were the cornerstones of the treatment of EPF.