Effect of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on the tensile strength and pressure resistance of tracheal anastomoses ex vivo.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on tracheal anastomoses in terms of increased tension and intraluminal pressure ex vivo.

Study Design: Ex vivo experimental study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center (Department of Otolaryngology).

Subjects And Methods: Thirty sheep tracheas were used. Four cartilage rings were resected from the tracheas that were 20 cm in length. End-to-end anastomoses were performed by using Vicryl only (group 1), Vicryl and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (group 2), and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate only (group 3). The amount of force to break off the anastomosis and the amount of intraluminal pressure to arouse air leakage through the anastomosis were measured.

Results: The mean force required to break off was 171.9 ± 29.7 N in group 1, 164.8 ± 26 N in group 2, and 13.52 ± 2 N in group 3. The mean force required to break off in group 3 was significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 2 (P = .008 and P = .008, respectively). The mean pressure required to cause air leakage was 49.6 ± 9.1 mm Hg in group 1, 113 ± 14.4 mm Hg in group 2, and 15 ± 4.2 mm Hg in group 3. Group 2 was found to be more resistant to intraluminal pressure than groups 1 and 3 (P = .008 and P = .008, respectively).

Conclusion: n-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate had no significant effect on tensile strength. However, its application on the suture line provided extra pressure resistance ex vivo. We believe that further studies need to be conducted to investigate its long-term effects and histological impact on tracheal anastomoses in vivo.