The Mechanical Suture with UKL-40 and UKL-60 in Pulmonary Surgery

¹ Thoracic Surgical Division of the János Hospital, Budapest, Hungary

The main advantages of the UKL-40 apparatus for mechanical amputation of the bronchus are described: tight closure with two rows of tantalum staples, aseptic, closed, rapid and secure management. Bronchopleural fistula developed in five out of 650 cases (0.7 percent), one after lobectomy, and four after pneumonectomy. Empyema was noted in 26 cases (4 percent). The UKL-60 stapling apparatus may be used for atypical resection of pulmonary parenchyma, for wedge resection of isolated tuberculomas, small cavities; for multilobar excision of tuberculous lesions even from disseminated areas; for resection of benign tumors, solitary carcinoma metastasis, cysts, apical bullous changes, concomitant lingular bronchiectasis, etc. Two hundred and seventy atypical resections were performed without mortality and incidence of bronchopleural fistula. Minor complications occurred in 17 cases.