Background: We examined ratio of stenosis, dehiscence and severity of ischemia at the anastomosis site to compare two different techniques used for bronchial anastomosis.

Methods: This experimental study was performed on twenty-two dogs. Dogs were separated equally into two groups. After intubation, left posterolateral thoracotomy was made. Following a meticulous dissection, left main bronchus was transected vertically. The inner area was calculated, and then end-to-end anastomosis was performed in Group I and telescopic technique was used in the Group II. Following operation, bronchoscopy was made assess anastomotic line. Chest X-rays were taken and the dogs were observed for consecutive two months. At the end of the second month bronchoscopy was repeated for assessment of anastomosis. After sacrification, left main bronchus of each dogs including the area of anastomosis was removed. Bronchial area at the site anastomosis was calculated and sent to the pathological analysis.

Results: Stenosis, dehiscence and ischemia were not doserved in any of dogs in the Group I, but in telescopic group one dog died at 35 day due to anastomatic dehiscence. Stenosis was recorded in four dogs. Ischemia was not observed.

Conclusion: Ratio of stenosis was higher in telescopic group than that of end-to-end group, but there was no difference between groups in terms of ischemia and dehiscence. Because stenosis alone can an important cause of morbidity in the post-transplantation period, end-to end anastomosis seems to be more reliable method.

Keywords : Transplantation, anastomosis, stenosis, ischemia, dehiscence