Conclusion
Allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheets may represent a promising method of preventing esophageal anastomotic leakage.
Methods
Allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheets prepared from oral mucosal tissues were implanted at esophageal anastomotic sites.
Objective
Anastomotic leakage is a common and severe complication of esophageal reconstruction. Accordingly, there is a clinical need for novel
Results
The allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheet group had significantly higher burst pressure and collagen deposition compared to a control group five days postoperatively. The expression levels of collagen type I and III mRNAs around esophageal suture sites were higher in the allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheet group compared to the control group on postoperative days 0, 3, and 5. There was a trend toward lower anastomotic leakage and lower abscess scores in the allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheet group compared to the control group; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheets completely disappeared at ten days after implantation. Further, no inflammation was observed at suture sites with implanted allogenic multilayered fibroblast sheets at five days after surgery.