Article
Reconstruction of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects: Free flaps or free jejunal transfer?
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Published: | April 4, 2012 |
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Objective: To choose the optimal reconstruction method for hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects due to the resection operations between free flaps ( consists of free radial forearm flap and free antero-lateral thigh flap) and free jejunium transfer.
Methods: Retrospective review of the archives of 56 patients from 2002 to 2007 who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free flaps (n=32) or free jejunal transfer (n=24),compare on the basis of indication, surgery-related complication rate, mortality rate and hospitalization duration.
Results: The overall 3 year survival rate of free flap group and free jejunal transfer group was 68.9%, 59.8% respectively. The overall rate of complication rate was 18.7%, 8.3% respectively. The were no death cases in both groups, The mean hospitalization duration was 30 days and 21 days. The differences between both groups was of no statistically significance.
Conclusions: There are various kinds of reconstruction methods for the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects, free flaps and free jejunal transfer are the two most common of them, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages respectively. Indications should be strictly chosen. We should choose reconstruction stragegy according to the site and extent of the lesion, the general condition of the patients, radio therapy requirement and the operation habits of the surgeon and his/her microsurgery level.