Reconstruction methods after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy: free jejunal graft and venous-reconstructed gastric tube or gastric tube alone.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the postoperative outcome of the two reconstruction methods using both a free jejunal graft and a venous-reconstructed gastric tube or a gastric tube alone after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy. Methodology: We reconstructed the pharyngoesophagus using both a free jejunal graft and a gastric tube in 5 cases (JG group), including 4 in whom the gastric vein was reconstructed, and using a gastric tube alone in 8 cases (G group). We compared the two groups in terms of postoperative complications, operation time, blood loss and length of postoperative hospital stay. Results: In the JG group, jejunal graft necrosis occurred in a case, although 4 cases with gastric venous reconstruction had no postoperative problems. In the G group, although anastomotic trouble occurred in 3 cases, 7 patients were discharged from hospital with oral feeding. In the JG group, postoperative stay was shorter, but the operation time was longer, than those in the G group. Conclusions: Reconstruction using a free jejunal graft and a venous-reconstructed gastric tube is useful especially for patients with a long defect in the pharyngoesophagus. These 2 methods may be used according to the length of the pharyngoesophageal defect.