[Experiments with autogenous tracheal replacement in rabbits (author's transl)].

Stenosis of the cervical trachea could be resected and replaced without tension, if a suitable prosthesis would be available. Postoperative stenosis of the anastomosis would be diminished by lowering the tension. In animal experiments with rabbits we succeeded in producing a tube, which was stabilised by autogenous cartilage and which has a smooth inner surface. This tube was similar to the rabbits trachea with regard to size and mechanical stability. Controlling the regeneration patterns of tracheal epithelium in rabbits there was demonstrated, that rather normal epithelium grew over scarred anastomosis by increased regeneration. The composition of an autogenous tracheal replacement tube could be the first step in reconstruction of parts of the cervical trachea.