J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 36(01): 001-008
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1693452
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Trachea Reconstruction with Single-Stage Composite Flaps in a Rabbit Model

Manzhi Wong
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
,
Bien-Keem Tan
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
,
Chong-Hee Lim
2   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Center Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
› Author Affiliations
Funding This work was supported by a $50,000 Singhealth Research Foundation Start-up Grant #SHF/FG405S/2009.
Further Information

Publication History

06 February 2019

04 June 2019

Publication Date:
28 July 2019 (online)

Abstract

Background Trachea reconstruction requires creation of a functional lining, semirigid support, and vascularity. We aimed to design composite flaps with these three components in a rabbit model.

Methods Circumferential (n = 9) and partial anterior (n = 8) tracheal defects were created in rabbits. A circumferential defect was reconstructed with a tubed ear flap incorporating cartilage for support and skin for lining. This was pedicled on the posterior auricular vessels and tunneled into the neck to bridge the defect. In the second experiment, a longitudinal anterior trachea defect was patched with a pedicled rib cartilage and intercostal muscle flap based on the internal mammary vessels. The vascularized fascia over the intercostal muscles replaced the lining while the cartilage provided support. Postoperatively, the rabbits were monitored clinically and endoscopically. The tracheal constructs were examined histologically after the animals were sacrificed.

Results Rabbits with circumferential defects reconstructed with the ear flap survived up to 6 months. Histology demonstrated vascularized cartilage with good integration of the flap with native trachea. However, hair growth and skin desquamation resulted in airway obstruction in the long term. In the second experiment, all the rabbits survived without respiratory distress, and the intercostal muscle fascia was completely covered by native respiratory epithelium.

Conclusion We described two experimental techniques using autologous composite flaps for single-stage trachea reconstruction in a rabbit model. Skin was a poor lining replacement, whereas vascularized muscle fascia became covered with respiratory epithelium. A rib cartilage and muscle flap could potentially be used for reconstruction of partial defects in humans.

Note

This work has been presented as oral presentations at the following meetings:


1. APFSRM 2012 (Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies of Reconstructive Microsurgery) Inaugural Conference 2012 held in Singapore.


2. TST (Taiwan-Singapore-Thailand Triangular) Meeting 2012 in Singapore.


3. WSRM 2013, Chicago, United States.


 
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