Relationship between the Incidence of Postoperative Fistula or Dysphagia and Resection Style, Gastric Tube Formation, and Irradiation following Free Jejunal Flap Transfer

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the incidence of dysphagia or fistula formation in an anastomotic region and factors such as extent of resection, gastric tube formation, and irradiation among patients who underwent free jejunal flap transfer. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 100 cases (88 men and 12 women; average age, 65.8 years; range, 46–88 years) in whom the evaluation of postoperative oral intake was possible after undergoing total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (TPLE) and free jejunal flap transfer. Chi-square test (with Fisher transformation, if necessary) was performed to analyze the relationship among resection styles (the resection margin extended to the oropharynx or to the cervical esophagus and gastric tube elevation), radiation therapy history, and incidence of dysphagia or fistula formation. RESULTS: One hundred patients were analyzed, and complications such as postoperative fistula and dysphagia occurred in 8 (8.0%) and 20 patients (20.0%), respectively. However, no significant correlation was found between various resection factors and fistula formation or adverse events. At the reconstruction site, other complications such as postoperative lymphorrhea (7%), postoperative hematoma (4%), trachea necrosis (4%), cervical flap necrosis (1%), and thyroid necrosis (1%) occurred. These complications were managed by a cervical open wound and additional minor operation as needed. CONCLUSION: Thus, free jejunal transfer for TPLE is a good reconstruction technique with few complications and postoperative adverse events, regardless of the extent of resection and preoperative radiation therapy.