Graft healing in laryngotracheal reconstruction: An experimental rabbit model

The actual sequence of events in graft healing in laryngotracheal reconstru ction (LTR) is not well understood. To investigate sequential changes in gr aft healing, we submitted 21 rabbits to LTR with an anterior auricular cart ilage graft. They were immediately extubated after surgery, and no stent wa s used. Rabbits were painlessly sacrificed at 7 different time periods (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after surgery). Cross sections of the larynx an d graft were cut and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome. Epitheli alization progressed very rapidly and was complete by 21 days. During the 1 0 weeks, there was a progressive necrosis and resorption of the original gr aft cartilage. However, neochondrification progressed very rapidly and resu lted in excellent structural support of the graft in the airway. Problems, such as infection and granulation tissue formation, were relatively minor a nd infrequent.