[Free jejunum reconstruction and laryngeal preservation for squamous cell carcinoma in the pharyngoesophageal junction].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Try to use free jejunum flaps reconstruction and laryngeal preservation for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the pharyngoesophageal junction. METHODS: Thirteen patients who underwent resections of SCC in the pharyngoesophageal junction with free jejunal interposition from August 2007 to December 2012 were reviewed. Of them, 8 had T3 lesions, 4 had T4 lesions, and one had radiation failure with rT2 lesion. Ten patients were treated with postoperative radiotherapy with a average dosage of 56 Gy. RESULTS: The 3 year over all survival rate was 47.9% and disease-specific survival rate was 34.2%. The surgical complications occurred in 9 patients (9/13), including one death and one flap failure. Five patients (5/13) had permanent tracheal canulation, 10 patients (10/13) resumed oral feeding and all patients achieved reasonable speech. CONCLUSION: Free jejunum interposition can be used to reconstruct surgical defect of SCC in the pharyngoesophageal junction, thus preserving the larynx and ensuring a better quality of life for the patients.