Effect of Bovine Pericardial Strips on Air Leak After Stapled Pulmonary Resection

Background. Surgical procedures for emphysema have been proposed and in many settings resulted in significant improvement in dyspnea and function. The most prevalent surgical problem in all series is prolonged postoperative air leak. Methods. One hundred twenty-three patients undergoing stapled thoracoscopic unilateral lung volume reduction operation were prospectively randomized to receive either no buttressing of their staple lines or buttressing of all staple lines with bovine pericardial strips. Results. The two groups were comparable in preoperative risks and in the severity of their emphysema. Postoperative complications were identical in the two groups with respect to pneumonia, empyema, and wound infection; however, there was a significant difference in the duration of postoperative air leaks. Those