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Preserving the eponym: Klinkenbergh technique for bronchial stump suturing
Elena Prisciandaro1,2, Herbert Decaluwé1,2, Paul De Leyn1,2
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|September 3, 2021
Summary
The Klinkenbergh technique uses a unique suturing method to close the bronchus after lung resection, significantly reducing the risk of broncho-pleural fistulas in patients. This method has shown excellent results in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Dr. Klinkenbergh, a pioneer in cardiothoracic surgery, developed a specific bronchial stump suturing technique.
- This technique was historically used for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Klinkenbergh technique in preventing broncho-pleural fistulas after lung resection.
- To report the outcomes of this technique in a contemporary patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- The Klinkenbergh technique involves two crossing running sutures for bronchial closure.
- A retrospective review of over 100 patients undergoing open pneumonectomy between 2016-2020 was conducted.
Main Results:
- Less than 2% of patients developed post-operative broncho-pleural fistulas.
- The technique demonstrated a low complication rate in patients undergoing open pneumonectomy for various thoracic conditions.
Conclusions:
- The Klinkenbergh bronchial stump suturing technique is effective in minimizing broncho-pleural fistulas post-lung resection.
- This historical surgical method remains a valuable approach in modern thoracic surgery practice.
