EXPERIMENTAL TRACHEAL REVASCULARIZATION WITH OMENTUM

We assessed omental revascularization of heterotopic tracheal implants in rats, and investigated the influence of factors that can enhance r evascularization. The trachea of the donor animal was excised in two p arts, and each tracheal allograft was implanted in the omentum of two recipients. The influence of mechanical factors was evaluated by apply ing traction at both ends of the graft with and without drainage of th e tracheal lumen, and the influence of pharmacologic factors by giving cefonicid, hydrocortisone, cefonicid plus hydrocortisone, or cyclospo rine and azathioprine during the postoperative period. Revascularizati on of the graft from the omentum with presevation of the tracheal stru cture was established. Graft viability showed significant differences between the tracheal implants to which no traction had been applied an d those with traction at both ends. Tracheal allografts from animals r eceiving immunosuppressants were completely viable and no significant differences were found between the controls and animals in this group.