Bilateral jejuno-mesenteric flap for reconstruction of complicated pharyngoesophageal defect

The surgical management of an infectious and fistulous wound with a pharyng oesophageal tumor is one of the greatest challenges for head and neck and p lastic surgeons. The free jejunal transfer has been the standard technique for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, and the free omental flap has been o ne of the most reliable methods for reconstructing contaminated wounds. A j ejuno-mesenteric flap is suitable for such complicated wounds. Pharyngoesop hageal defects are reconstructed by the jejunum, and contaminated and heavi ly irradiated neck wounds are covered with the mesenteric flaps connected w ith a revascularized jejunum. The technique described here possesses the ad vantages of both a free jejunal flap and an omentum flap. Therefore, it is a reliable method for reconstructing the pharyngoesophageal defects of comp licated wounds. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.