LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED REMOVAL OF FREE JEJUNAL AUTOGRAFTS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF VOICE AND SWALLOWING AFTER TOTAL LARYNGOPHARYNGECTOMY - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

Based on animal trials the presented study results describe a laparosc opic assisted removal of an extra-long free jejunal graft to reconstru ct voice and swallowing after a total laryngo-pharyngectomy in cases w ith advanced malignancies of the larynx including invasion in the uppe r oesophagus. With a microvascular anastomosed small bowel segment, we have been able to reconstruct parts of the pharynx and to create a sp eaking syphon as devised by Ehrenberger in an one-stage procedure. The concept of avoidance of an extensive laparotomy may result in an decr eased morbidity of this surgical procedure. Therefore it represents a challenging single indication of minimally invasive surgery of the oes ophagus. A well established interdisciplinary teamwork is the key for success in this extensive procedure.