Esophageal reconstruction by jejunal transfer

Forty-five esophageal reconstructions were carried out using a free or pedicled transfer of jejunal segments. Thirty were performed for benign stenosis or atresia, and 13 were performed for malignancy. The remaining two were used to repair anastomotic leakage or fistulization resulting from prior esophagogastrostomy. Average anastomotic arterial and venous diameters were 1.2 mm and 3.0 mm respectively. Of the 45 reconstructions, 44 were successful; the single failure was the result of tearing of the mesenteric arcade. There were four fatalities. Jejunal transfer is an effective method of esophageal reconstruction.