Ultra-Proximal Jejunostomy Application after McKeown-Type Esophagectomy: A Retrospective Case-Series Study

BACKGROUND: Jejunostomy is the main form of enteral nutritional support after McKeown-type esophagectomy. However, this requires the jejunum to be secured to the abdominal wall, which can lead to catheter-related complications. Here, we present a new type of jejunostomy, ultra-proximal jejunostomy, which does not require fixation of the jejunum to the abdominal wall. METHODS: Patients who underwent McKeown-type esophagectomy between January 2021 and March 2022 were included in this study. Postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent ultra-proximal jejunostomy are also presented. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were able to receive enteral nutritional support via an ultra-proximal jejunostomy after McKeown-type esophagectomy, and no cases of enteral fistulas were observed. The pain in the left lower abdomen largely disappeared after the removal of the jejunostomy tube in all patients, and there was no difficulty in removing the tube. To date, none of these patients have experienced bowel obstruction or jejunal torsion. CONCLUSION: An ultra-proximal jejunostomy is a safe and feasible method and a better option for enteral nutrition support after McKeown-type esophagectomy.