Autogenous buccal mucosa was transplanted to the pretracheal region in beagles. The result was studied by surgical exploration, light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The grafts were transformed into mucosal cysts after 4 weeks. There was no significant alteration of the epithelium of the cyst wall proper as compared with normal mucosa. After observation periods of 4 to 13 weeks a cyst adequate for further transplantation procedures had developed. There were no essential differences between cysts observed at four weeks and those observed at later periods up to 13 weeks. The possibilities of combining the mucosa with framework materials (bone, cartilage, alloplastic materials, etc) and flaps (e.g. deltopectoral & myocutaneous) are mentioned.

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Experimental reconstruction of the airway with buccal mucosa and cortical bone in a single-stage procedure.

Autogenous buccal mucosa and cortical bone were transplanted in a one-stage procedure to an anterior tracheal defect in 5 beagles. The result was studied by endoscopy, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The bone graft was shaped as an oval disc and perforated with large holes for vascular nutrition of the mucosal graft. Small holes were made along the periphery for suturing the buccal mucosa to the bone disc and for suturing the composite graft to the tracheal defect. The mucosa sloughed off from the framework during the first 2 weeks and the bone graft was subsequently expelled through the airway. The mucosal graft was replaced by ciliated columnar epithelium supported by firm connective tissue. Various surface structures were found in the regenerating epithelium. Although the animals did not suffocate or develop a stenosis, this procedure cannot in its present form be recommended for use in clinical practice.

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