title: Reconstruction of the esophagus and voice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Esophageal defects are reconstructed using a variety of methods and tissue types. The choice depends on the location of the defect, the condition of the patient, and the flaps that are available for reconstruction. Often, patients with esophageal defects also lack a mechanism for voice production following a total laryngectomy procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the literature was performed for esophagus reconstruction and voice rehabilitation following laryngectomy. Methods of voice restoration using intestinal transfers are presented based on the authors' experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several methods of esophagus and voice restoration can achieve excellent functional outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Esophagus reconstruction and voice rehabilitation following esophageal resection and total laryngectomy are possible using a variety of flaps with good functional outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Rochester, Minn.; Taiwan, Republic of China; and Washington, D.C. From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic; Department of Plastic Surgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University; Division of Reconstructive Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mardini
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Salgado
authors.forename: Karen F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Kim Evans
authors.forename: Hung-Chi
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods; D004944:Esophagoplasty / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014833:Voice Quality; D014834:Voice Training