The Laryngoscope
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Treatment and management of tracheal defects remain challenging in head and neck surgery. Various reconstruction techniques have been used, with no consensus on the best approach. The purpose of this study was to explore a novel strategy to fabricate tissue-engineered trachea by using fibrin/hyaluronic acid (HA) composite gel and evaluate the feasibility of creating tracheal cartilage. ⋯ The tracheal luminal contour and functional epithelial regeneration without graft rejection and inflammation were observed after repair of a tracheal resection using allogeneic implants with chondrocytes cultured with fibrin/HA.
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Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) used in anterior cervical spinal fusion procedures causes an inflammatory response resulting in upper airway obstruction between postoperative days 4-7. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and severity of airway complications associated with use of BMP, the associated clinical outcomes, morbidities and mortalities following its use, and to create a clinical awareness of patients with acute airway obstruction associated with the use of BMP in cervical spinal fusion. ⋯ Acute airway obstruction in the postoperative period following cervical spine fusion using BMP is a complication of its use. Due to the degree of obstruction and difficulty with intubation postoperatively, a clinical awareness is necessary to effectively manage these patients. Collaborative efforts between the spine surgeon, anesthesia and the otolaryngologist are required for management of the complications that occur after surgery.