use of platysma myocutaneous flap and auricular cartilage graft for cervical tracheal reconstruction an experimental study in dogs

ABSTRACT

Cervical tracheal reconstruction using platysma myocutaneous trap door flap strengthened with. auricular cartilage was studied in 16 dogs. Window defects involving 5 and 10 tracheal rings from the anterior tracheal wall were produced in different 2 groups of animals [group A and B]. The results were evaluated by clinical follow up to 3 months. In group A. six of the 8 animals completed the scheduled follow up while in. group B. five animals completed the follow up of 3 months without significant complications. Gross examination of the animals of both groups which completed the pre-established period of follow-up showed maintenance of the intraluminai diameter at the levels of the reconstructed segment. The mucosal cutaneous junction was healed with no apparent granulation tissue free edges of the resected tracheal rings were closely attached to the rotated flap. Hair was fully grown and covered with mucous. Histologically, the flap was covered by stratified squamous epithelium which was closely attached to the free margin or the trachea by fibrous tissue. The cartilage was seen intact with mature chondocytes. The use of platysma cutaneous door flap strengthened with auricular autologous gives relatively good anatomic and functional results in. reconstruction of tracheal defects. This may call for considering the clinical use of flap in selected cases of tracheal wall lesions in human