Effectiveness of vascular flow measurement in transplanted free jejunum using air tonometry catheter

Abstract

Since vascular trouble associated with free jejunum transplantation during the resection of hypopharyngeal cancer often induces severe complications, early detection and restoration of vascular disturbance is important. Various methods currently used for estimating blood flow are subjective or difficult to assess. We measured intramucosal carbon-dioxide partial pressure (PiCO₂) of transferred jejunum continuously using an air tonometory method in 16 patients who underwent resection of hypopharyngeal cancer.
PiCO₂ of transferred jejunum almost paralleled arterial carbon-dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2). PiCO₂ elevation and its deviation from PaCO2 were observed with blood flow disorders such as vascular anastomosis. PiCO₂ evaluation is capable of quantitative and continuous assessment, and is an objective and effective method for early detection of vascular trouble of transferred jejunum.