[Growth of tracheal anastomoses in growing animals]

Growth of the trachea after complete transection and anastomoses was studied in four equal groups (N = 7) of young New Zealand white rabbits (mean weight 1.19 +/- 0.19 kg). The trachea was transected below the 5th cartilagenous ring and immediately anastomosed. Suture materials and sewing techniques used for comparison were continuous 6-0 polypropylene, interrupted 6-0 polypropylene, continuous 6-0 polydioxanone (PDS) or interrupted 6-0 PDS. The animals were electively sacrificed between 95 and 98 days after surgery. Mean body weight increased to 2.7 +/- 0.18 kg. Mean cross sectional area (CSA) of the trachea at sacrifice at the anastomosis (A) and an average of CSA 5 mm above and below the anastomosis (B) were compared. The ratios (A/B) of each groups were 0.52 (continuous polypropylene), 0.62 (interrupted polypropylene), 0.58 (continuous PDS) and 0.80 (interrupted PDS), respectively. One way of analysis of variance revealed that growth of the tracheal anastomoses in interrupted PDS was significantly better (p less than 0.005) than other combinations. It was concluded that growth of the trachea following complete transection and anastomosis in a growing animal was significantly better with absorbable suture material and interrupted suturing technique.