Esophageal reconstruction using a pedicled jejunum with microvascular augmentation.

The pedicled colon segment is widely accepted as a substitute to the gastric tube in esophageal reconstruction of cases where the stomach is not available. The usefulness of reconstruction with a pedicled jejunum has also been reported in recent years. In order to make a long jejunal graft, at least the second and third jejunal vessels have to be severed. However, this leads to a decrease of circulation in the pedicled jejunum. This poor circulation was primarily responsible for the high rates of gangrene and mortality (22.2% and 46.5%, respectively) in the beginnings of jejunal reconstruction. Advances in microsurgery have now enabled surgeons to overcome these disadvantages, as a result, both the rates of gangrene and mortality have decreased to almost zero since the addition of microvascular anastomosis with the jejunal vessels and the internal thoracic vessels. At present, the reconstruction using a pedicled jejunum is a safe operation that provides such advantages as a low incidence of intrinsic disease, more active transport of food, and a lower rate of regurgitation by peristalsis, compared with the reconstruction using the pedicled colon. The disadvantage of the procedure is the relatively high rate of anastomotic leakage (11.1% to 19.2%). Improvements in the surgical procedures to overcome this disadvantage are, therefore, needed before it can be recommended without any reservations.