Microsurgical reconstruction of the digestive tract following pharyngolaryngectomy and total esophagectomy.

Abstract

Total pharyngoesophageal reconstruction has remained a challenging field in digestive surgery. During the past 3 years, the authors performed six microsurgical reconstructions of the digestive tract following pharyngolaryngectomy and total esophagectomy due to a multiple cancer or skip metastasis. Digestive continuity was restored using a combination of a pulled-up gastric pedicle and free jejunal transfer in 2 patients, and an elongated gastric pedicle with microvascular augmentation in 4 patients. One elongated gastric pedicle developed partial necrosis, and a free jejunal graft was placed additionally. One patient suffered from respiratory dysfunction and died 1 month after surgery. Postoperative radiographic examination showed a good swallowing mechanism without reflux and stasis in all patients. Microvascular surgery contributes to the successful reconstruction of the digestive tract following extensive pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy.