“…Bronchoscopy using a rigid 4-mm 0 endoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was performed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks postoperatively (post implantation). The inner surface of the scaffold-grafted areas was examined, and we determined the following [4,7]: (1) narrowing of the lumen, (2) re-epithelization, (3) formation of granulation tissue around the scaffoldgrafted area and (4) integration of the implanted scaffolds. Degree of stenosis was classified on a four-point scale: 0-10%, no narrowing noted; 11-50%, mild narrowing; 51-70%, moderate narrowing; and >71%, severe narrowing.…”