A comparison of bronchial closure with the aid of staples or suture: an experimental study on pig tracheae.

The objective of this study was to determine the resistance to pressure of a bronchial stump depending upon the closure technique. For the experimental study, 30 pig tracheae were alternatively closed either by a double-layer running suture at 90 degrees to the cartilaginous rings or with an automatic stapling device. Sutures were placed under pressure until air leakage was observed. The air leakage pressure was digitally recorded. A statistically significant difference existed between the two groups. The mechanical suture proved more resistant to pressure (p =.011). Thus, under ideal conditions, the resistance to pressure of a mechanical suture is equal to, if not better than, that of the manual suture.