Differential scanning calorimetric examination of the tracheal cartilage after primary reconstruction with differential suturing techniques

Summary

Resection and subsequent end-to-end anastomosis of the windpipe is a tried-and-tested acceptable method for the surgical treatment of segmental defects. There are a variety of different techniques for tracheal end-to-end anastomosis, but controversial reports highlight the fact that the suturing technique of the anastomosis is still subject of debate. We aimed to show the postoperative effects of the continuous and simple interrupted suturing technique respectively on the tracheal cartilage using differential scanning calorimetry. Transsection and subsequent reanastomosis of the cervical trachea was performed in 14 adult beagle dogs. The trachea was anastomized with continuous or simple interrupted sutures respectively depict no change in microcirculation after the resection of the trachea, but significant decrease following the completion the anastomosis with continuous sutures. Conventional histological analysis did not show any marked postoperative change in the tracheal cartilage but our DSC scans clearly demonstrated the differences between the intact cartilages and the ones involved in the anastomosis.