[Long-term results of homograft reconstruction of the trachea in childhood].

Background: The treatment of long-segment tracheal stenosis in children is a biological and operative problem. The introduction of preserved allografts established new possibilities for functional tracheal reconstruction. The development of tracheal dimensions in the course of growing is often discussed.

Patients And Methods: Since 1983 preserved allografts were used in 20 children with acquired tracheal stenosis. The children ranged in age from 1 to 13 years (average: 7.2 years) when the operation was performed. The children were examined postoperatively at adequate intervals. Radiologic measurements of the tracheal dimensions were performed in some of the patients.

Results: Today the treatment of all of these children is complete. Some of them are now adults. None of the children demonstrated breathing problems at the time of the end of treatment or after a variable following-up period ranging from 18 months to 14 years. There was no endoscopic or radiographic evidence of constriction in the growing tracheas. Radiographic measurement of the reconstructed tracheas showed an age-adequate growth in length and a small growth in diameter.

Conclusion: Functional tracheal reconstruction for long-segment tracheal stenosis can be achieved by implantation of preserved allografts even in the early childhood.