Experimental Reconstruction Of A Cervical Esophageal Segment In The Dog With An Artificial Esophagus Composed Of Decellularized Porcine Aorta Tissue Matrix

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of procine-derived, xeogeneic decellularized aorta tissue matrix, made by enzyme digestion method, to be used as artificial esophagus for cervical esophagus reconstruction in a dog model. Methods: A 2 cm circular defect was mad on cervical esophagus and was replaced with decellularized porcine aorta tissue matrix in 7 dogs. The healing process was observed. Results: Six animals survived after operation. One dog died of pyoperitonitis at 3 days after operation. No leakage was found in all dogs, the midregion stenosis of the regenerated esophagus occurred about 45-60 days after operation, three dogs of regenerated esophagus stricture were reliefed by balloon dilation, one dog died of esophagus rupture as the result of esophagus dilation. The aitificial esophagus were completely incorporated with the native esophagus and adherent to surrounding host connective tissues with neovascularization;Complete epithelization and Smooth muscle were seen at 1 month after operation;the squamous epithelium differentiated 8 to 10 layers and ordered arrangement collagen fibers under squamous epithelium were found at 2 months later;the squamous epithelium differentiated 8 to 12 layers and skeletal muscle also regenenrated at 3 months later, ordered arrangement collagen fibers under squamous epithelium became thicker. Meanwhile the decellularized aorta tissue matrix itself gradually degradated and was mostly absorbed in the dog put to death at 3 months. Conclusions: Decellularized porcine aorta tissue matrix can induce esophagueal tissue regeneration ,which is a promising reconstruction material for artificial esophagus.