Benefits and risks of mitomycin use in the traumatized tracheal mucosa.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and early complications of mitomycin C (MMC) in tracheal wound models. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Rabbits (N = 60) were randomized to undergo mucosal injuries to the upper and lower trachea including anterior 120 degrees full thickness (group A, n = 20), anterior 120 degrees partial thickness (group B, 20), and circumferential partial thickness (group C, 20). In each rabbit, the wounds were separately treated with MMC 1.0 mg/mL or saline, and the animals were sacrificed after three weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of the 60 animals experienced early death because of tracheal rupture or airway obstruction caused by unresolved scabs on the preinjured tracheal mucosa; the incidence of early death was higher in groups A and C than in group B. In each group, the degree of tracheal stenosis was comparable in wounds treated with MMC and saline. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that topical MMC has no benefit when used to prevent tracheal stenosis. Acute airway obstruction may occur in MMC-treated rabbits with tracheal wounds.