[Esophageal replacement with lyophilized dura (author's transl)]

In 50 dogs thoracic or cervical esophagus was resected and the defect was replaced by a prosthesis made out of lyophilized dura. The healing process was studied radiologically and by clinical and histological examination. The experiments have proved the feasibility of bridging esophageal defects with lyophilized dura. The dura is replaced within 2 months by a tube of connective tissue. Until epithelialisation is complete there is a tendency to circular contraction. A stenosis could be prevented by dilatation or by means of a homologous-alloplastic esophageal prosthesis.