[Effects of pull upon the growth of the trachea (author's transl)]

The effect of pull following segmental resection with subsequent anastomosing was studied in animal experiments in regards to the growth of the trachea. A corresponding decrease in body-weight is demonstrated following resection of 4-7 tracheal segments. Even a small pull leads to a decrease of cartilage thickness of the entire trachea. The correlation between the number of the resected cartilage segments and the resulting stenosis in the region of the anastomosis is significant. The decreased area of the canal in the anastomosed region amounts to a maximum of 66% after resection of 7 tracheal segments without the appearance of disorders of ventilation in form of an in- and expiratory stridor. After resection of up to 3 tracheal segments telescopic cartilage overlappings are observed. The mucosa shows a metaplastic regeneration at the anastomosis.