Microvascular free jejunum transfer.

A series of 37 microvascular free jejunal transfers for reconstruction of the pharyngolaryngeal region using a conduit or oropharynx using a patch of jejunum is reported. The technique results in a high success rate with only two failures in the series. Post-operative recovery is rapid with low morbidity and many patients are able to go home after seven to ten days. Radiotherapy, either pre-operatively affecting the recipient vessels or post-operatively affecting the transferred jejunal segment, has not been found to affect adversely the outcome of the reconstructive procedure.