Autotransplantation of the trachea: Experimental evaluation of a reconstructive technique for extended hemilaryngectomy defects

Vascularized segments of trachea were used to repair extended hemilaryngect omy defects in a rabbit model. The cervical trachea was revascularized in a first stage by a fascia flap. In a second stage, the cervical trachea was isolated and transformed into a patch that could be autotransplanted on a v ascular carrier. The patches were used for the reconstruction of hemilaryng ectomy defects including half of the cricoid. Two months after transplantat ion, the vascular and morphologic characteristics of the tracheal patches w ere examined with silicone dye angiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The tracheal patches showed a reliable blood supply when wrapped in vascula rized fascia. The patches provided a functional reconstruction of hemicrico laryngectomy defects. It is concluded that autotransplantation of the trach ea should be further explored as a potential means for extending the limits of conservation laryngeal surgery.