Germain M A, Julieron M, Trotoux J, Filippetti M, Santoro E, Marzetti F
Service de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif.
Ann Chir. 1998;52(10):978-82.
Reconstruction of the oro and hypopharynx has specific difficulties due to their wide diameters. Seven patients underwent reconstruction with a free U-shaped jejunal transplant, after circular pharyngolaryngectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer invading the oropharynx. This transplant included a side-to-side anastomosis between the two limbs of the jejunal loop. This transplant allowed reconstruction of the upper digestive tract after wide carcinologic resection of the pharynx. The U-shaped jejunal transplant facilitated the upper anastomosis, especially at the upper part where the resection involved the oropharynx. It formed a reservoir behind the tongue, and avoided nasal reflux. The best indications are large resections involving the oropharynx.