Bronchial transsection and reanastomosis in pigs with and without bronchial arterial circulation

The bronchial artery may be vital to the bronchi and lung parenchyma, but results of lung transplantation have raised doubts. This study was performed to examine the effect of bronchial arterial devascularization on bronchial morphology after bronchial transsection and reanastomosis.

In 6 pigs (study group), the left main bronchus was transsected, reanastomosed, and devascularized. Six control pigs had the same operation without devascularization. After 1 week, bronchial arterial angiography was performed, and specimens were examined with conventional histology and scanning electron microscopy.

Histology showed significant changes (inflammation, edema, and fibrosis) in bronchi and lung parenchyma of the study group compared with the unoperated side (p = 0.028) and with the control group (p = 0.050). Scanning electron microscopy showed significant ciliary denudation in the study group's left bronchus compared with the unoperated side (p = 0.043) and with the control group (p = 0.0071).

The loss of cilia of the bronchial epithelium and the occurrence of inflammation, edema, and fibrosis in bronchi and lung parenchyma 1 week postoperatively were significantly related to the absence of the bronchial arterial circulation.