New technique of bronchial closure

The clinical features of 259 cases of resected pulmonary tuberculosis are briefly analyzed; 80% were advanced cases, 57% with illness of more than 18 mth duration, 29% with drug resistance and 57% cavitary cases. Bronchopleural distula appeared in 2.7% of the series after pulmonary resection, and when only pneumonectomy and lobectomy are considered, the incidence accounts for 1%. Comparison of this incidence with other figures published appears favorable and makes the authors recommend their technique of bronchial stump closure. (Journal received: Feb. 1976)