An analysis of 503 pulmonary resection is presented, with the following points of interest;
1) By using a stapling device, the operation time is showtened, more lung tissue can be saved, and post-operative complications are fewer.
2) By comparison with a previous series, post operative drainage from the chest is decreased when the stapling device is used. In the present . series 82% of patients has less than 500 cc of drainage post-operatively. Average reqcired whole blood replacement was less than 800 cc in this series of patients.
3) Only 13 patients, or 2.6% developed a bronchopleural fistula, and only 8 patients, or 1.5% developed post-operative empyema when the stapling device was used.
4) Because of the decreased air leaks when the stapling device is used, the anterior and posterior tubes can be removed sooner.
5) With careful preservation of lung tissue and paralysis of the phrenic nerve, post operative "dead space" is not a problem after the pulmonary lobectomy. Thus thoracoplasty is not necessary to eliminate "dead space".
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