The effect of postoperative radiation therapy on pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free jejunal interposition

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1991 Nov;117(11):1265-8. doi: 10.1001/archotol.1991.01870230081012.

Abstract

Free tissue transfer of a jejunal segment was undertaken for laryngopharyngoesophageal reconstruction in 20 patients who received postoperative irradiation therapy. Treatment consisted of 1.8- to 2-Gy-fractions, the average total dose was 55.57 Gy (range, 40 to 66 Gy). Anastomotic strictures (six) were encountered early in the series and associated with stapled anastomoses. Hand-sewing the jejunoesophagostomy eliminated the problem. Enteric cutaneous fistula, bowel necrosis, and hemorrhagic enteritis were not observed. We conclude that the application of postoperative irradiation therapy to patients requiring jejunal interposition grafts is feasible.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Esophagoplasty*
  • Female
  • Graft Survival / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Jejunum / pathology
  • Jejunum / radiation effects
  • Jejunum / transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharynx / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Transplantation, Autologous