Comparison of omentum, pleura and diaphragm for tracheal autograft survival in rats

Pleura, diaphragm, pericardial fat pad, intercostal muscles and omentum can be used to protect and revascularize the bronchial suture line. To compare the efficiency of pleura, diaphragm and omentum, an experimental study was designed. Heterotopic tracheal autotransplantation was performed in 15 rat s. Animals were divided into three groups; omentum, diaphragm and pleura. T racheal Segment Necrosis Scoring System was used for pathologic examination s. Pleural and diaphragmatic groups showed the least necrosis and there was significant statistical difference among these groups and omental group (P < 0.05). Our study showed that pleura and diaphragm could be used as safel y as omentum for protection and survival of bronchial suture lines. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.