Factors Favoring and Impairing Healing of Tracheal Anastomosis.

The factors governing successful healing of and impairing of tracheal and bronchial anastomosis are best understood by reviewing the normal histologic changes accompanying healing, governing factors, and biochemical advances made in the last 5 decades. Normal wound healing factors, also relevant to tracheal and bronchial reconstruction, rely on precise handling of tissues without interfering with tissue perfusion, careful selection and placement of sutures, and steps to minimize tension. Impairments of satisfactory healing are well recognized in gastrointestinal surgery and apply to tracheal and carinal resection, and sleeve bronchial resection.