[Validity of different methods for reducing tension of anastomoses following circular resection of the trachea].

In 23 corpses different methods to decrease tension over tracheal anastomosis after circular resection were investigated. Starting tracheal resection underneath the first tracheal ring and employing forward flection of the head, cervico-mediastinal mobilization, dissection of the lung hilus, supra-hyoidal larynx mobilization, and implantation of the left main bronchus into the bronchus intermedius, 78% of the whole trachea could be resected. Resecting the thoracic trachea from the level of its bifurcation in direction to the larynx and employing all methods for mobilization the maximum length of resection decreased by 20%, since larynx mobilization and hilus dissection had no effect.