[Technical improvement of mechanical suture of bronchial stumps in pneumonectomy].
OBJECTIVE
To prevent or reduce such postoperative complications of pneumonectomy as bronchopleural fistula and promote the curative effect of the surgery by improving the technique for handling the bronchial stumps.


METHODS
In 107 patients, bronchial stapler was adopted for closure of the bronchial stump and pneumonectomy was subsequently performed on the side of the staples. A 1-0 polyester suture was used to for suture in the shape of "U" deep in the mechanical suture on the bronchial stump. The postoperative complications were observed.


RESULTS
The operations were performed easily and the bronchial stumps were short and sutured firmly. No fluid retention or granuloma occurred in the stumps after the operation, nor were the complications such as intractable cough and infection of thoracic cavity observed. No bronchopleural fistula was found in these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This new method is safe and effective for treatment of the bronchial stumps.
Hu
Feng-biao
FB
Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Ji'nan Command, Ji'nan 250031, China. hfb693@yeah.net
Kou
Ren-ye
RY
Zou
Zhi-qiang
ZQ
Yuan
Lei
L
Xu
Shi-ning
SN
Yin
Li-guo
LG
Ma
Bin
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques