A simple technique to avoid postoperative air leakages after right upper lobectomy

A simple technique to complete interlobar fissures during right upper lobectomy is described. After closing and sectioning the vein, the arteries and the bronchus, the residual lung is gently inflated to visualize the border with the upper lobe. The parenchyma is stapled (GIA 75) at the level of the first non-ventilated part of the upper lobe. This method allows placing the parenchymal stapler line in a fully non-ventilated zone. Since at this level there should be no air, no air leakages are expected during the postoperative course. This technique was performed in 15 patients undergoing right upper lobectomy and no postoperative air leakage was observed.