LONG-TERM FUNCTION OF FREE JEJUNUM TRANSPLANTED FOR ESOPHAGEAL RECONSTRUCTION AFTER RESECTION OF THREE CASES OF A THORACIC ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract

Esophageal reconstruction after resection of a thoracic esophageal cancer using free jejunal transfer was performed in 3 cases, and no remarkable postoperative complications were noted in a long term follow-up for 9 months to 4.5 years. The freely transplanted jejuna were found to be well dilatated in postoperative fuluroscopic studies. Strong peristaltic waves and constriction on swallowing occurred 3 months after the operation, but disappeared within 6 months. After that, the passage of foods through the transplanted jejunum was favorable. A positive pressuer zone which moved from the oral to anal site of the transplanted jejunum was recognized in the manometric study. Intermittent interdigestive electric complex were digestive irregular superposed electric complex were observed on electromyography 4 months and 2.5 years after the operation. Normal mucin was observed on the mucosa obtained by the endosocpic biopsy.