Background: When pharyngoesophagectomy is performed in conjunction with anterior mediastinal tracheostomy, reconstructing both the trachea and alimentary tract is extremely difficult. We developed a novel 1-stage reconstructive procedure using a single free jejunal flap containing multiple vascular pedicles to decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality. Free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles could offer a viable option for reducing associated life-threatening complications.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles in anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and pharyngoesophagectomy due to lesions involving both the airway and esophagus. In all cases, 1-stage reconstruction of the digestive tract and trachea was performed. Technical details and outcomes were analyzed.
Results: All 34 jejunal flaps (100%) survived. Major morbidity classified as Clavien-Dindo grades III and IV occurred in 10 (29.4%) and 0 (0%) patients, respectively during hospitalization. With regard to common complications, anastomotic leakage from transferred jejunal flaps and surgical site infections occurred in 0 (0%) and 7 (20.6%) patients, respectively. Five (14.7%) patients experienced tracheal stoma dehiscence. Donor site morbidity was observed in 2 (5.9%) patients. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.9%.
Conclusions: Our 1-stage reconstruction procedure achieved low morbidity and low mortality rates following anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and pharyngoesophagectomy. Only 1 jejunal flap transfer is needed to simultaneously reconstruct the trachea and alimentary tract in a safe and reliable manner with this procedure.
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