Colopleurocutaneous fistula associated with empyema as a late complication of colorectal cancer

Milan Savic; Zeljko Garabinovic; Nikola Colic; Marko Kostic; Miljan Ceranic; Jovan Peric; Mihailo Stjepanovic

doi:10.3855/jidc.19318

Colopleurocutaneous fistula associated with empyema as a late complication of colorectal cancer

Authors

Milan Savic Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0425-0731
Zeljko Garabinovic Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7671-1713
Nikola Colic Center for Radiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6516-1970
Marko Kostic Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1871-3266
Miljan Ceranic Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Jovan Peric Center for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Mihailo Stjepanovic Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.19318

Keywords:

Colopleurocutaneous fistula, empyema, colorectal cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Pleurocutaneous fistula is a pathological communication of subcutaneous tissue with the pleural cavity, and can occur as a result of infectious, malignant processes and iatrogenic procedures. Colopleural fistula is rare and is mainly caused by processes in the abdomen. The appearance of empyema is usually described as a complication of colopleural fistulas that are the result of pathological processes in the abdomen.

Case Presentation: We report an extremely rare case of colopleurocutaneous fistula with pleural empyema present, 8 years after left hemicolectomy due to colon adenocarcinoma. Radiological diagnostic procedures performed confirmed the existence of colopleurocutaneous fistula. The patient was given antibiogram therapy and regular thoracocentesis for empyema, as well as a fistulous canal toilet.

Conclusions: After achieving sterility of the fistulous canal and regression of empyema, the fistulous canal was closed with fibrin glue, and during the next 6 months follow-up, there was no reopening of the fistula, nor did the patient have any other complications.

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Published

2025-05-31

How to Cite

Savic M, Garabinovic Z, Colic N, Kostic M, Ceranic M, Peric J, Stjepanovic M (2025) Colopleurocutaneous fistula associated with empyema as a late complication of colorectal cancer. J Infect Dev Ctries 19:800–803. doi: 10.3855/jidc.19318

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Issue

Vol. 19 No. 05: May 2025

Section

Case Reports

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