An experimental model for the prevention of postanastomotic tracheal stenosis

Objective: The aim of the current study is to determine the efficiency of an external prosthesis made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene reinforced with a continuous silicone spiral to prevent postanastomotic stenosis after surgical correction of extensive tracheal defects in rabbits, Methods: Forty-five rabbits were used, divided into three groups of 15 animals each, Group A was the control group, Group B animals underwent resection of six-ring segments of the cervical trachea and primary anastomosis, The procedure used in group C was similar to that used in group B, but the tracheal anastomosis was supported bg an external expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis, Results: Direct anastomosis after resection of six tracheal rings caused anastomotic stenosis in 100% of the animals, We did not observe tracheal stenosis in any rabbit when we applied an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube as an external stent for the tracheotracheal suture, Conclusion: We conclude that an external stent can be used to prevent tracheal stenosis resulting from the resection of six cervical tracheal rings in rabbits.