Staple line thickening after sublobar resection: reaction or recurrence?

ConclusionsStaple-line thickening is a frequent occurrence following pulmonary limited-resection, but rarely indicative of recurrence. The characteristics and initial size of granulation tissue do not predict recurrence. Increases in tissue ≥2mm at the staple-line over time do predict local recurrence, which typically occurs after a prolonged time interval.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research