Pharyngo-enteral anastomosis for esophageal reconstruction in diffuse corrosive esophageal stricture

Background. Diseases involving the entire esophagus usually require extensi ve surgical procedures to accomplish functional reconstruction. These proce dures are extremely stressful for undernourished patients. We have utilized a simpler procedure for total esophageal reconstruction. Methods. This retrospective report reviews the experience in 8 patients who underwent esophageal reconstruction by pharyngo-colo-gastrostomy or jejuno stomy without any resection of bony structures. Results. There was no operative or hospital death. Complications included a nastomotic stenosis, transient leak from the ileal stump, and late enterocu taneous fistula, each in I patient. Laryngeal function was maintained witho ut special treatments. After swallowing training for approximately I week, oral feeding was resumed. All patients have gained 7 to 21 kg at 35 to 67 m onths after surgery. Conclusions. Our surgical procedure is shown to be safe and effective in un dernourished patients with diffuse esophageal stricture. (C) 2001 by The So ciety of Thoracic Surgeons.