[Tracheal anastomosis: monofilament absorbable suture versus monofilament non-absorbable suture. Experimental study in rats].
OBJECTIVE
When tracheal stenosis is symptomatic, the treatment may consist of surgical resection and anastomosis. A multifilament absorbable suture is usually used. The aim of this experimental work on rats was to study the benefits of using a monofilament absorbable suture with high initial resistance.


METHODS
We compared Ethilon, a nylon monofilament non-absorbable suture (MNA), with Monocryl, a polyglecaprone 25 (P25) monofilament absorbable suture (MA). The sutures were used for tracheal anastomosis on 16 rats. P25 has a high initial strength but its intra-tissular disappearance is fast. Animals were killed at 1, 2 and 3 months. Anastomoses were studied by optical microscopy and histological analysis.


RESULTS
At 3 months no disunity or stenosis was seen with the MA. With the MNA, a modification of the tracheal transverse section and a stenosis were observed. The histological examination showed an initial important inflammatory cell reaction with the MA and at 3 months, a surgery-free like tracheal aspect. At 3 months the rats with MNA had a persistent foreign body cell reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Good results obtained by using P25 could be due to high initial resistance of the suture protecting the anastomosis. The semi-fast absorption of the suture avoided persistent inflammatory cell reaction. Confirmation of these results by working on larger animals and tracheal anastomosis under tension could allow the use of this suture on human beings, in this instance.
Lazard
D S
DS
Service ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale, Hôpital Foch, 40 rue Worth, 92151 Suresnes. dianelazard@yahoo.fr
Sebagh
M
M
Legagneux
J
J
Vignes
J-L
JL
Masquelet
A C
AC
Chabolle
F
F
D000327:Adsorption; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013537:Sutures / Q000145:classification*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer