The creation of a vascularized tracheal transplantation
Delaere, P.
Bulletin et Memoires de l'Academie Royale de Medecine de Belgique 166(10-12): 377-379; Discussion 380
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-8231 PMID: 23082502 Document Number: 655964
Reconstruction of long-segment tracheal defects requires a vascularized allograft. We report successful tracheal allotransplantation after indirect revascularization of the graft in a heterotopic position. Immunosuppressive therapy was administered before the operation, and the allograft was wrapped in the recipient's forearm fascia. Once revascularization was achieved, the mucosal lining was replaced progressively with buccal mucosa from the recipient. At four months, the tracheal chimera was fully lined with mucosa, which consisted of respiratory epithelium from the donor and buccal mucosa from the recipient. After withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy, the tracheal allograft was moved to its correct anatomical position with an intact blood supply. No treatment-limiting adverse effects occurred.