Empyema with broncho-pleural fistula secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia treated by open-window thoracostomy: A case report

Key Points

• To present a case of empyema with a broncho-pleural fistula linked to COVID-19 pneumonia and its management.
• Reported a case of a 44-year-old female with empyema due to COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Utilized thoracostomy and drainage methods for infection control.
• Administered steroid pulse therapy and antibiotics before surgical intervention.
• Initial treatment improved respiratory condition but did not resolve empyema or air leak.
• Open-window thoracostomy performed led to good management of post-surgery infection.
• Patient discharged home with continued care, and complications showed signs of spontaneous closure.