Refashioned lamb tissue as an animal model for training complex techniques of laryngotracheal stenosis surgery.

Abstract

Open reconstructive upper airway surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), whether for subglottic or tracheal stenosis, constitutes a group of complex approaches. LTS requiring open reconstruction is overall rare and primarily performed at tertiary centres. This poses an obvious challenge for the acquisition and maintenance of surgical skills for this group of complex approaches. In this context, animal models provide a unique opportunity for open reconstructive airway surgery training. Such models ought to take into consideration ethical aspects, be easily available and easy to maintain, and have similar macroscopic anatomical features to the human laryngotracheal frame. Here, we provide a brief surgical guide for the use of refashioned lamb tissue as a training model for surgery of adult and pediatric reconstructive airway surgery. The techniques of laryngotracheal reconstruction, partial cricotracheal resection, tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis, and slide tracheoplasty are presented. Proper training in open LTS surgery is challenging, time consuming and its complexity further lengthens the learning curve. The lamb larynx and trachea model is an effective model for practising various airway reclaiming surgeries.