OBJECTIVE: To study the usability of pulmonary tissue flap in the reconstruction of the thoracic trachea. METHODS: Over half perimeter anterior and posterior wall and 6 to 8 tracheal cartilagious rings of dog trachea were resected. The nickel-titanium alloy mesh stent was placed inside the lumen for repair of the defect of the tracheal wall by nearby pulmonary tissue flap with the vascularized segment. The dogs were killed from 2 months to 12 months after operation. Specimens were taken and observed under light and electron microscope. Clinically, 4 patients were treated by this way operation [right common tracheal scarred stenosis and atresia (1), mixed cancerization in the lower part of the common trachea (1) and left common tracheal carcinoid (2)]. RESULTS: No stenosis and granulation tissue were observed in the prosthetic lumen, in which there was comparative continuous stratified ciliated columnar epithelium. All patients recovered respiratory function. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary tissue flap is a promising prosthesis of thoracic tracheal reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE: To study the usability of pulmonary tissue flap in the reconstruction of the thoracic trachea. METHODS: Over half perimeter anterior and posterior wall and 6 to 8 tracheal cartilagious rings of dog trachea were resected. The nickel-titanium alloy mesh stent was placed inside the lumen for repair of the defect of the tracheal wall by nearby pulmonary tissue flap with the vascularized segment. The dogs were killed from 2 months to 12 months after operation. Specimens were taken and observed under light and electron microscope. Clinically, 4 patients were treated by this way operation [right common tracheal scarred stenosis and atresia (1), mixed cancerization in the lower part of the common trachea (1) and left common tracheal carcinoid (2)]. RESULTS: No stenosis and granulation tissue were observed in the prosthetic lumen, in which there was comparative continuous stratified ciliated columnar epithelium. All patients recovered respiratory function. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary tissue flap is a promising prosthesis of thoracic tracheal reconstruction.