Experimental and clinical reconstructive surgery of the larynx and trachea
R. E. Whited
Laboratory study was undertaken to define the healing patterns of
intramural bone and cartilage grafts in the canine trachea. These studies
indicate that with solid intramural grafting, both displacement and
resorption prevent predictably successful graft incorporation. With graft
failure, intraluminal stenting maintained separation of the cricotracheal
incisional margins so that strap musculature adhered and subsequently
fibrosed to provide a rigid and expanded anterior wall. The concept of
direct strap-muscle intramural grafting for tracheal expansion was applied
in a clinical setting using eight patients having extensive laryngotracheal
stenosis. Successful reconstruction occurred in seven of the eight
patients.
