[Reconstruction of the cervical esophagus by the free transfer of a jejunal loop. An experimental study in dogs].

A study was performed in twenty dogs in order to evaluate the chronic effects of free jejunal transfer and possible subsequent radiation therapy. Ten dogs were sacrificed within one week after surgery, three survived twelve to twenty days, and seven survived longer than six weeks with only one completing a full course of radiation equivalent to 6,000 rads to the jejunal flap. Fistulization was the most frequent complication in short-term and intermediate survivors. Inanition due to a functional rather than anatomic stenosis and dysmotility was observed in the long-term survivors. Interval oesophagoscopy and biopsy was of no additional value in evaluating flap survival. The jejunum of the animal receiving radiation showed a greater submucosal inflammatory response when compared to the other animals. Attempts at intraoperative cooling of the jejunal segment did not increase bowel survival or diminish the rate of fistulization.