Upper digestive tract reconstruction for caustic injuries.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of the study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of colopharyngoplasty and esophagocoloplasty for caustic injuries of the upper digestive tract. BACKGROUND:: Simultaneous esophageal and pharyngeal reconstruction by colopharyngoplasty allows regaining nutritional autonomy in patients with severe pharyngoesophageal caustic injuries. METHODS:: Patients who underwent upper digestive tract reconstruction for caustic injuries by colopharyngoplasty (n = 116) and esophagocoloplasty (n = 122) between 1993 and 2012 were included. Survival and functional outcomes were analyzed. Success was defined as nutritional autonomy after removal of the jejunostomy and tracheotomy tubes. Quality of life was assessed using the QLQ-OG25 and SF12v2 questionnaires. RESULTS:: Overall Kaplan-Meyer survival at 1, 5, and 10 years after colopharyngoplasty and esophagocoloplasty were 92%, 74%, 67% and 92%, 83%, 73%, respectively (P = 0.56). Quality of life and functional results (success: 57% vs 95%, P Language: en