Bronchial omentopexy in canine lung allotransplantation

Impaired bronchial healing has been a major source of morbidity and mortality following clinical lung transplantation. Bronchial ischemia secondary to division of the systemic bronchial blood supply may be an important cause of these complications. Bronchial omentopexy was performed in conjunction with lung allotransplantation in 6 dogs. Revascularization of the distal bronchial circulation through the omental pedicle was demonstrated in all instances by postmortem injection studies done through the celiac artery. Bronchostenosis occurred in 1 dog. No other complications were encountered. In view of the frequency of bronchial anastomotic complications following human lung transplantation, the technique of bronchial omentopexy warrants serious consideration.