[Lymphocyte depletion through experimental anastomosis of the thoracic duct and cervical esophagus].
In 25 dogs, a short segment of the left subclavian vein, adjacent to the connection of the thoracic duct, was dissected free with its jugular branch and ligated. An end-to-side anastomosis, using interrupted sutures was performed in two layers, between the side of the cervical esophagus and the proximal part of the jugular vein. This vein, acting as a reservoir, remains connected to the thoracic duct by the isolated segment of the subclavian vein. The original aspect, of our technique is the use of a catheter placed into a branch of the vein near the site of the anastomosis and through which a saline solution with heparin (1 mg/kg) and penicillin (40.000 U/kg) is injected daily. The catheter emerged on top of the dog's neck, and continuous perfusion was provided by a chronofusor. The catheter was removed after one month. In 30% of the dogs, the anastomosis was found patent after more than 6 weeks. This has been proved by fibro-esophagoscopy after injection of a solution of patent blue in the jugular catheter ; lymphangiograms obtained by direct injection of radio-opaque material through the jugular catheter, and a decrease in lymphocyte counts to 4% of the total white blood cell count, compared to 30% in the controls. There was no significant loss of weight in the surviving dogs.
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008722:Methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013537:Sutures; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery*
Déplétion lymphocytaire par anastomose expérimentale du canal thoracique et de l'oesophage cervical