Benefits and risks of mitomycin use in the traumatized tracheal mucosa.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and early complications of mitomycin C (MMC) in tracheal wound models.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Rabbits (N = 60) were randomized to undergo mucosal injuries to the upper and lower trachea including anterior 120 degrees full thickness (group A, n = 20), anterior 120 degrees partial thickness (group B, 20), and circumferential partial thickness (group C, 20). In each rabbit, the wounds were separately treated with MMC 1.0 mg/mL or saline, and the animals were sacrificed after three weeks.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of the 60 animals experienced early death because of tracheal rupture or airway obstruction caused by unresolved scabs on the preinjured tracheal mucosa; the incidence of early death was higher in groups A and C than in group B. In each group, the degree of tracheal stenosis was comparable in wounds treated with MMC and saline.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that topical MMC has no benefit when used to prevent tracheal stenosis. Acute airway obstruction may occur in MMC-treated rabbits with tracheal wounds.