Reconstruction of cervical esophagus by using laparoscopically assisted jejunal loop harvesting and microsurgical transfer

For segmental cervical esophageal reconstruction, the free transfer of jejunal flap tends to become a standard procedure. Graft harvesting by laparotomy presumes increased morbidity at donor area level. There was described by now in the literature laparoscopic techniques for harvesting of jejunal graft, which have reduced the complications following laparotomy. We wish to present here an experimental model of laparoscopically assisted harvesting of jejunal flap used for reconstruction of cervical esophagus by free transfer. The harvesting of jejunal segment was achieved in 12 dogs; 4 cases subsequently underwent microsurgical free transfer. There are presented original contributions of authors. The harvesting average time was 115 minutes; the meantime graft ischaemia was 48 minutes in 4 cases with microsurgical transfer. Postoperative survival was 100%. Graft viability was achieved in 75% at 12 hours and 50% at 24 hours. No major operative accidents were recorded. We present a standardized experimental model, which could be an usefull guide in human therapeutics.