Retrograde stapling of a free cervical jejunal interposition graft: a technical innovation and case report

Systematic review of free jejunal flap for secondary esophageal reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Esophagus reconstruction could be complicated by leakage, stenosis or graft loss. Salvage surgery may be needed in case of failure of endoscopic treatment or large esophagus defect. Although free jejunal flap is admitted for salvage head and neck reconstruction, few reports assess the results of free jejunal interposition in salvage esophagus reconstruction. We undertook a systematic review whose primary aim is to investigate outcomes of secondary esophageal reconstruction with free jejunal flap in terms of mortality, complications and functional results.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA 2020 statements searching PubMed and Scopus databases for articles assessing free jejunal flap for secondary reconstruction after failed esophagus reconstruction. References of included studies were also screened. Studies quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tools.

RESULTS

562 studies were yielded through databases search and 328 studies were yielded through citations search. 18 articles were included in the systematic review corresponding to a total of 62 patients from 3 to 76 years old. All studies were level of evidence IV case reports or case series. We found that overall mortality was 3.2%, anastomotic fistula rate was 21%, anastomotic stricture rate was 4.8% and graft loss rate was 9.7% with survival of all jejunal regrafts. Solid oral intake was achieved in 93.0% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Jejunal free flap is a pertinent option for secondary esophageal reconstruction but remains a challenging surgery with high risk of complications that requires multidisciplinary team in large volume/tertiary care hospitals.

Use of free jejunal flap as a salvage procedure in the management of high corrosive esophageal re-strictures: an institutional experience and review of literature

BACKGROUND

High pharyngo-esophageal strictures following corrosive ingestion continue to pose a challenge to the surgeon, particularly in the developing world. With the advancements and increased experience with microsurgical techniques, free jejunal flaps offer a viable reconstruction option in patients with high corrosive strictures with previous failed reconstruction. We review our experience with free jejunal flap in three cases with high pharyngo-esophageal stricture following corrosive ingestion, with previous failed reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of three patients underwent salvage free jejunal flap after failed reconstruction for high pharyngo-esophageal strictures following corrosive acid ingestion. All the three patients developed anastomotic leak and subsequent stricture, two following a pharyngo-gastric anastomosis and one following a pharyngo-colic anastomosis. The strictured segment was bridged using a free jejunal graft with microvascular anastomosis to the lingual artery and common facial vein. All patients were followed-up at regular intervals.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The strictured pharyngeal anastomotic segment was successfully reconstructed with free jejunal flap in all the three patients. Patients were able to take food orally and maintain nutrition without the need of jejunostomy feeding. On long-term follow-up (median: 5 years), there was no recurrence of dysphagia and all the patients had good health-related quality of life.