Experimental Tracheal Reconstruction with Interposing Autogenous Main Bronchus in Dogs

Abstract

Restoration of tracheal continuity following an extensive circumferential resection is an ongoing problem, especially in cases where direct approximation of the cut ends is impossible. In the present study, we succeeded in restoring tracheal continuity in dogs, using autogenous main bronchus as a substitute conduit. There were no signs of rejection, stenosis, or necrotic disruption of the transplanted bronchus, and bronchoscopic and roentgenographic studies during follow-up examinations revealed no abnormal granulation formation at the suture lines. At schedules intervals, the dogs were killed and pathological studies of resected specimens confirmed these observations. Excellent incorporation between the transplanted bronchus and the trachea was confirmed by pathological examination. Hydrogen clearance analyses indicated that blood flow to the transplanted main bronchus resumed as early as I month after transplantation. The recent advances in tracheobronchioplastic technique may allow the present method to become a reliable alternative for restoration of tracheal continuity following tracheal resection.