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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Tissue-Engineered Graft for Circumferential Esophageal Reconstruction in Rats
Published on: February 10, 2020
[Experimental research of esophagus replacement with pulmonary flap in dogs]
Jun Liu1, Wenjun Shi, Suning Zhang
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang Liaoning, 110004, P.R. China.
Objective:
To apply self-pulmonary tissue flap to reconstruct esophagus directly or with alloy stent in this research.
Methods:
Twenty-four dogs were divided into two groups, middle bronchus was ligated to prepare pulmonary flap and incised, a 4 to 6 cm long and 1/2 to 2/3 perimeter defect was made in esophageal wall. Esophagus defect was repaired only with pulmonary flap (experimental group) and with pulmonary flap having self-expanded stent inside (control group). The gross appearance, histological appearance and barium X-ray films were observed at 2,4,6,8, 10 and 12 weeks after operation.
Results:
Two dogs died of anastomotic leak in experimental group, three dogs died of anastomotic leak and two dogs died of perforation of ulcer in control group. The growth of esophagus epithelium was observed from periphery area to dental area after 8 to 10 weeks of operation. In pulmonary flap mass fibrous tissue proliferated and fibroblasts were active, but no necrosis occurred. Barium X-ray of regenerated esophagus showed that mild stenosis and weakened peristalsis were observed in the middle of esophagus replacement, and that no obstruction, leakage, and dilation above anastomotic stoma occurred.
Conclusion:
Pulmonary tissue flap can well support the mucosa crawl in the defect of esophagus. It is necessary to find a more suitable and satisfied stent for repairing segmental defect.
