[Anastomotic technique in tracheal resection. Animal experiments (author's transl)]

In 24 rabbits and 6 dogs, two subtotal tracheal transsections each were reanastomosed using Dexon , Vicryl, Prolene and Mersilene in running or interrupted suture technique. In order to avoid traumatisation of the perichondrium, sutures included the marginal cartilagenous ring and all layers of the tracheal wall. By putting every second stitch in a 8-figure, an ideal adaptation could be achieved. Half of the anastomoses were secured by additional application of fibrin tissue adhesive. Macroscopical and histological examinations were carried out 5, 10, 21 and 63 days postoperatively. Mersilene resulted in remarkable inflammatory tissue reaction - increasing from the 5th day on - leading to extensive granulomas, abscesses, ulcerations of the mucosa and erosion of the cartilage. In contrast, by using synthetic absorbable materials as well as prolene, minimal tissue reaction occurred with an even and delicate scar formation. The findings do not support the view, that an extramucosal stitch technique is essential. The additional sealing with fibrin tissue adhesive increased the safety of the anastomoses during the early postoperative period.