Suture closure versus stapling of bronchial stump in 304 lung cancer operations

Suture closure of the bronchial stump was compared with staple closure after 304 operations for bronchogenic carcinoma over an 8-year period. In 154 cases (112 lobectomies and 42 pneumonectomies) the bronchial stump was closed with interrupted sutures of 000 polyester, and in 150 cases (120 lobectomies and 30 pneumonectomies) an autosuture stapler was used. The time for suture closure ranged from 5-15 minutes, whereas stapling was accomplished uniformly in c. 90 seconds. Bronchopleural fistula developed after suture closure in seven cases (4.5%), but in none after stapling closure. Stapling of the bronchial stump after lobectomy or pneumonectomy for lung cancer is safer and quicker than suture closure, and is recommended as the method of choice.