[Resistance to pressure of bronchial closures. Comparison of pressure resistance of manual and stapler bronchial closures depending on the angle to the cartilaginous rings].

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to determine the resistance to pressure of manual and stapled bronchial closures under ideal conditions (90 degrees to the bronchial tree) and parallel to the trachea (45 degrees).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An experimental study was done on 60 explanted pig tracheae which were alternatively closed with either double-layer, running sutures angled 90 degrees to the cartilaginous rings or an automatic stapling device. The closure line was placed exactly 90 degrees to the bronchial tree in 30 cases and parallel to the trachea (45 degrees) in 30. The sutures were placed under pressure until air leakage was observed. The leakage pressure was digitally recorded.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference existed between the two groups. Mechanical sutures proved more resistant to pressure (P=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Under ideal conditions, the resistance to pressure of mechanical sutures is equal to if not better than that of manual sutures.