Bridging Tracheobronchial Tree Defects with Teflon Prostheses

Introduction  The treatment of stenotic and neoplastic lesions of the tracheobronchial tree has been hampered by the problem of adequate reconstruction. Various bronchoplastic procedures have been successfully advocated for wedge or "window" defects, and primary anastomosis has been performed with limited success when a short segment has been circumferentially removed. However, despite the number of ingenious procedures suggested for lengthening the trachea, satisfactory restoration of continuity of this system after tubular or segmental resection has failed despite a decade of investigation.A few years ago we reported our experiences with the use of a temporary polyethylene prosthesis bridging defects in the trachea.^17,18 The results of our experiments were discouraging, for when the prosthesis was removed, tracheal stenosis with respiratory obstruction rapidly occurred. Although there is some evidence supporting the claim of unique regenerative powers of the trachea as described by Daniel and his co-workers,⁸ our results indicate that,