Longterm Follow-Up Study of Patients with Bronchial Anastomosis or Tracheal Replacement

¹ Department of Surgery, St. Joseph's Hospital, Milwaukee

Twenty-one patients with bronchial anastomoses or tracheal resection graft procedures have been studied seventeen to seven years following reconstructive operations. No patients have succumbed to obstructive airway complications. Bronchial reattachments have shown excellent restoration of all distal lung functions. Tracheal grafts of pericardium have been effective in maintaining airway stability and pulmonary function. Although the uptake of oxygen may be delayed following these procedures, it has eventually returned to normal. The probability that ciliated epithelium may cover these anastomoses and grafts has been engendered by the studies reported.