[Experimental reconstruction of extensive anterior defect of rabbit trachea with the use of free auricular cartilage].

Objectives: 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.