ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of our experiment is to use new type esophageal prosthesis, which is pulmonary tissue with vascular pedicle, to repair the partial esophageal defect. Methods: Twelve adult mongrel dogs were used for the study. Middle lobar bronchus of right lung was ligated and incised, so the pulmonary tissue with vascular pedicle was made. A 4 cm long and 1/2～2/3 circled esophageal wall, and full-thickness defect was created. The defect was patched by pulmonary tissue with vascular pedicle. Results: Seven dogs were put to death at planned times after the reconstructive operation. One dog is still alive without any problems for more than 12 months. One dog survived 38 days and then died of chronic empyema. The other three dogs died of anastomotic leak at 5～7 days after operation. The living dogs could be fed orally at seventh day after operation. Epithelization was found in the luminal surface of the defect. Conclusion: It was feasible that the partial esophageal defect was replaced by pulmonary tissue with vascular pedicle.