title: Teflon strip pneumostasis for excision of giant emphysematous bullae.
abstract: Excision of giant emphysematous bullae commonly results in a persistent air leak that requires prolonged intercostal drainage and delays recovery. To minimise this we have used Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) strips to buttress the suture line and secure pneumostasis. During 1976-84 eight bullae were excised in seven patients. One patient had bilateral staged thoracotomies. All chest drains were removed within eight days (mean 4.5 days) and no patient developed pulmonary complications. At long term follow up (1-9 years, mean 5.5 years) no complications attributable to the Teflon felt have been identified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, East Birmingham Hospital.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Parmar
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Hubbard
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Matthews
mesh_terms: D001768:Blister / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene