Rev Invest Clin
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Lung transplantation has been slow to develop due mainly to the association of complications at the bronchial anastomosis secondary to the devascularization incurred during procurement. In the present study we evaluate the importance of the protection of the bronchial anastomoses with an omental pedicle. Mongrel dogs were operated upon forming four study groups: lung allotransplantation with bronchial protection (group T1, n = 9), lung allotransplantation without protection (group T2, n = 6); the two remaining groups did not receive a transplant but instead underwent surgery with extensive dissection and transection with reanastomoses of the left main bronchus with (group B1, n = 5) and without (group B2, n = 5) bronchial protection. ⋯ Bronchial neovascularization was demonstrated macroscopically as well as with light microscopy in all animals receiving protection with omentum (groups T1 and B1). We conclude that adequate bronchial protection is achieved with an omental pedicle flap brought up to the thorax during lung transplantation. It diminishes significantly the incidence of lethal complications at the bronchial anastomosis due to the revascularization that occurs through the omentum.