Periodic alterations of jejunal mucosa morphology following free microvascular transfer for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Free jejunal flap reconstruction is the treatment of choice for patients after pharyngoesophagectomy. It remains unclear as to how the transplanted jejunal mucosal damage proceeds after the warm ischaemia. The current study aims to assess the relationship between the duration of ischaemia and the damage of jejunal mucosa.


METHODS
From May 2002 to February 2003, 15 free jejunal flaps in 15 patients were transplanted to the cervical area for the reconstruction after pharyngoesophagectomy. Biopsy specimens were taken from the monitor loop at the time of pedicle ligation, 10 min after reperfusion, every day for 10 days, 14th day, 28th day, and 40th day after operation. Mucosal injury was assessed based on an accepted three-point scale which evaluates oedema, inflammation, mucosal necrosis or exfoliation, shortening of villi, and increase of goblet cells.


RESULTS
All 15 jejunal flaps survived. The mean ischaemia time was 68.7+/-5.2 min (range: 37-116). Serious injury to the mucosa was observed at 10 min after reperfusion, and gradually recovered until the 8th day, when it became normal in all flaps. The degree of damage was not found to be correlated with the length of ischaemia (less than 116 min). Severe ischaemia/reperfusion-induced mucosal damage occurs immediately following reperfusion and gradually recovers with time. The severity of the damage is not related linearly to the ischaemia time within 2h. The mucosa recovers gradually from the 8th day and returns to normal at the 28th day.
Feng
Guan-Ming
GM
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaohsiung Army General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Yang
Wen-Guei
WG
Huan-Tang Chen
Samuel
S
Chu
Yong-Ming
YM
Tsai
Lih-Min
LM
Chang
Tzu-Ming
TM
Mardini
Samir
S
Chen
Hung-Chi
HC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D007583:Jejunum / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000473:pathology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors