ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We investigate the possibility of vessel preservation with glycerol and evaluate the potential of preserved gastroepiploic artery as a tool for the microsurgical practice. METHODS: In 5 early gastric cancer patients, IRB(No. C-0603-040-170), we gained gastroepiploic artery specimens(5 segments, about 10cm) after gastrectomy. Each segment was rinsed in a normal saline and subsequently placed in a bottle, containing 50mL anhydrous glycerol (87%). The bottles were refrigerated at 4degrees C, the longest preservation time being 5 months. RESULTS: At first glance, no fragmentation was detected and the surface of vessel seemed mild sclerotic. In histological examination, vascular structures remained intact though preservation with glycerol led to a mild atrophy of the smooth muscle in the tunica media. Especially, we found out the elastic fibers and endothelial lining of the intima were preserved until 5 months. Adequate status for using microsurgical practice was also maintained and leakage test was performed successfully with gentian violet ink. CONCLUSION: Based on the results obtained in this study, the gastroepiploic artery preservation with glycerol as a training model for microvascular anastomosis is a technically very simple procedure and useful for the novice microsurgeon.