Lung hilum pneumonectomy in dogs using linear stapler block suture

Abstract

Individualized dissections of lung hilum structures to perform lung resections are not always easy. In video assisted operations the dissection difficulties can inhibit the resection through this procedure thus forcing the surgeon to convert it to open toracotomy. The improvements of the surgical staples technical quality in the 1990s were so important that they have been considered also possibly efficient in simultaneous sutures of lung hilum structures thus replacing individualized dissection of its components in lung resections. The aim of this study was to verify the effect al lung hilum mechanical block suture. Twelve adult half-breed male dogs were submitted pneumonectomy through simultaneous suture of the lung hilum. They were separated into two groups of six animals each and were observed one for seven and the other for fourteen postoperatory days according to previously prepared protocols to verify macro and microscopic aspects. The access was opened through a lateral toracotomy on the anesthetized animal maintained in mechanical ventilation. The simultaneous suture of the lung hilum was carried out with only one shot of the sharp linear 60mm stapler. No death occurrence, suture dehiscence arterial or vein fistulas were verified. One of the animals presented an abscess in the suture line without developing fistulas or dehiscence. The postoperatory evolution was considered good in tem of the animals (83.3%) and regular in two (16.7%) that presented small incision abscesses. The data led to the conclusion that this suture technique is feasible, fast and presents good results but needs further studies to corroborate these results.