[Postoperative Th1 and Th2 type cytokine changes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their clinical significance].

Objective: To study the expressions of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and the influence of operation on such expressions.

Method: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect Th1 (IL-2 and INF-gamma) and Th2 type cytokines (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs, for 48 h) from 30 healthy controls and 46 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients (collected before and 8 and 30 d after operation, respectively).

Results: Compared with the control group, the expressions of Th1 type cytokines, IL-2 and INF-gamma, were significantly depressed in the PBMCs of the cancer patients (P<0.

[Technical improvement of mechanical suture of bronchial stumps in pneumonectomy].

Objective: To prevent or reduce such postoperative complications of pneumonectomy as bronchopleural fistula and promote the curative effect of the surgery by improving the technique for handling the bronchial stumps.

Methods: In 107 patients, bronchial stapler was adopted for closure of the bronchial stump and pneumonectomy was subsequently performed on the side of the staples. A 1-0 polyester suture was used to for suture in the shape of "U" deep in the mechanical suture on the bronchial stump.