Effect of radiotherapy on the outcome of pharyngeal reconstruction using free jejunal transfer.

Eighteen patients had free jejunal reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus following pharyngoesophagectomy for malignant tumors. Four patients had no radiation therapy, four had postoperative radiotherapy, and ten had preoperative radiotherapy. Comparison of complication rates indicated no increased risk of complication in patients receiving 6,100 to 6,400 rad of postoperative radiotherapy. Patients having preoperative radiotherapy had a higher incidence of graft failure due to vessel thrombosis, suggesting that radiation endarteritis may increase the risk of graft failure.