The reinforcement of tracheoplasty with a self-fascia lata and Gelatin-Resorcin-Formal (GRF) glue

We examined the efficacy of protecting the suture line in tracheoplasty by using a self-fascia lata and Gelatin-Resorcin-Formal (GRF) glue. Fifteen dogs underwent a resection of four rings of the trachea and reconstruction, and we then observed them for one month; group A (n = 5) without reinforcement, group B (n = 5) with a self-fascia-lata spread with GRF glue, and group C (n = 5) with only a self-fascia-lata. In the reinforced dogs (group B, three cases, and group C, five cases), in which the continuity of the suture line had been conserved, eight cases were resistant to pressures of from 240 mmHg to 300 mmHg, and two cases (both in group B) which had a partial discontinuity of the suture line were resistant to the same pressure of 160 mmHg. But in the five dogs without reinforcement (group A), four died from infection due to leakage of the trachea within 2 weeks; only one that had a continuity of the suture line survived and was resistant to pressure of 300 mmHg. These results show that a reinforcement of tracheoplasty using a self-fascia lata and GRF glue is useful for preventing air leakage from the suture line.