[Experimental reconstruction of extensive anterior defect of rabbit trachea with the use of free auricular cartilage].
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether free auricular cartilage grafts can be used to reconstruct the extensive anterior defect of rabbit trachea and observe the difference between autograft and allograft.


METHODS
Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into autograft group (n = 10) and allograft group (n = 10). All grafts were taken from the right auricle, and defect included 8 to 10 rings of trachea. The gross morphorlogical features, endoscopic examinations, biomechanic determinations and histological findings of grafts were assessed at 1,2,4,8 and 12 weeks after operation.


RESULTS
Eighteen rabbits survived. Mild tracheal stenosis was observed under endoscope. The maximum stress per mm at 0,4,8 and 12 weeks was 2.54 +/- 0.19, 1.31 +/- 0.21, 1.72 +/- 0.22 and 1.96 +/- 0.08 kPa/mm, respectively. Histological analysis revealed that the viable chondrocytes and neochondrocytes at 12 weeks accounted for 62.0% +/- 3.45%, 65.89% +/- 48% in the autograft group and 60.1% +/- 3.98%, 55.20% +/- 7.57% in the allograft group. No marked immunological differences between the auto- and allograft groups were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Free auricular cartilage can be used to reconstruct the extensive anterior defect of trachea in both auto- and allo-transplantations.
Zhang
Ruilin
R
Department of Ear Nose Throat, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Liang
Chuanyu
C
Qin
Tingwu
T
Li
Xiuqun
X
Liu
Jun
J
D000818:Animals; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D004431:Ear, External; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*