Bronchial anastomotic infection after lung transplantation – An interdisciplinary review

Airway complications (AC) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality post-lung transplantation (LTx). Bronchial anastomotic infection (BAI) is a complication as well as a risk factor for progressive AC post-lung transplantation. The two are closely related and difficult to untangle. AC affects approximately one in ten LTx-recipients, while BAI is reported in around one in thirty LTx-recipients. Associated bacterial pathogens frequently include <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and other gram-negative pathogens, while the most frequent reported fungal pathogen is <i>Aspergillus spp.</i>. Associated complication rates are reported to be high. Although the epidemiology and outcome of AC have been investigated, there is an important lack of BAI-specific literature. The incidence, risk factors, treatment and prevention of BAI are not well known. To close this knowledge gap and to ultimately improve prevention, management and outcome; interdisciplinary investigations and prospective studies are warranted.