Use of the "supercharge" technique in esophageal and pharyngeal reconstruction to augment microvascular blood flow

Although gastric tubes are commonly used in thoracic esophageal reconstruction, sometimes circumstances are such that an alternative method must be found. On these occasions, pedicled jejunum transfer and colonic interposition are used. After reconstruction, partial necrosis can occur because of poor blood flow in the oral end of the segment used to restore esophageal continuity. To improve this blood flow, we created a technique-the "supercharge" technique-in which we perform additional microvascular blood flow augmentation.

The supercharge technique was performed in 82 esophageal reconstructions with microvascular blood flow augmentation. Reconstructive methods included a gastric tube in 5 patients, a gastric tube combined with a free jejunal graft in 2, an elongated gastric tube in 6, a pedicled colonic interposition in 26, and a pedicled jejunum in 43. Recipient vessels were located in the neck or chest regions.

After microvascular blood flow augmentation, the color and blood flow of the transferred intestine appeared greatly improved. During the operation, thrombosis was noticed in 3 patients and successfully salvaged by reanastomosis. Partial graft necrosis of the oral end of the segment occurred in only 2 patients; 2 patients had anastomotic leakage.

The risk of leakage and partial necrosis of the transferred gut conduit appear to be reduced by using the supercharge technique to augment microvascular blood flow. This reliable technique contributes to the successful reconstruction of esophageal defects.