title: A reliable method for monitoring the microvascular patency of free jejunal transfers in reconstructing the pharynx and cervical esophagus.
abstract: Reconstruction of the pharynx and esophagus with revascularized segments of jejunum remains a time-proven entity. Most thromboses and subsequent flap failures have occurred within the first 24 hours after revascularization of the flap. What would therefore be desirable is a safe, proven monitoring system to assess the patency of the microvascular anastomoses and subsequent viability of the transferred bowel segment. This paper reports on such a monitoring system, which involves the creation of a surgical window on the anterior cervical flap. The jejunal serosa is tacked to this window, and a thin split-thickness skin graft is placed directly on the bowel. The technique is simple, safe, efficacious, and leaves no significant defect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mercy Hospital Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bafitis
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Stallings
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ban
mesh_terms: D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014654:Vascular Patency