[Submicroscopic changes in the jejunum in ectopic sites. A scanning and transmission electron microscopy study...

Biopsies of the jejunal epithelium were analysed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy of specimens taken from patients at least 1 year after reconstruction of defects from resection of oro-hypopharyngeal cancer by free microvascular anastomized jejunum graft. The villi were compressed and flattened, their surface uneven due to calibre changes of columnar cells. The microvilli were rarefied and grossly altered. In the subapical area there was a distinct enhancement of desmosomal connections. Paneth cells and endocrine cells were unaltered. Autonomic nerves were intact, though the muscularis mucosa seemed to be denervated.