Evaluation of a bronchial anastomosis by laser Doppler velocimetry.

Healing after bronchoplasty was evaluated by assessing the bronchial mucosal blood flow by laser Doppler velocimetry in dogs. Bronchoplastic surgery at the right main bronchus was performed and bronchial mucosal blood flow was determined by laser Doppler velocimetry at proximal and distal sides of the anastomosis before and after operation. Four experimental groups were established. After operation the blood flow was adequately preserved, and healing of the anastomosis site was satisfactory in the minimum detachment group and steroid-treated group. Mucosal blood flow was markedly reduced in both proximal and distal sides in the extensive detachment group. The extent of the reduction in the blood flow was smaller in the omentum dressing group than in the extensive detachment group. The state of healing of the anastomosis site was closely related to the bronchial mucosal blood flow.