THE USE OF COLLAGEN-COATED VICRYL MESH FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CANINE CERVICAL ESOPHAGUS

Collagen-coated vicryl mesh (CCVM) was used experimentally to patch pa rtial and total segmental defects in the canine cervical esophagus. Th e esophageal healing process over a 6-month period with successful inc orporation of the CCVM and esophageal wall regeneration are described. Twenty-two (91.7%) of 24 dogs survived the procedure without any evid ence of esophageal stricture or dysphagia. CCVM has proved to be a sui table material for substitution of esophageal tissue in the canine mod el. Its clinical use in congenital and acquired esophageal lesions sho uld be considered only pending further experimental laboratory work.