Free intestinal autografts for reconstruction following pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy

After pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy in four patients, free intestinal autografts were used for reconstruction. A microvascular technique and a simultaneous two team approach allowed this to be done immediately following the resection. No graft failures have occurred. Good function was present in three of the four patients at the last follow-up examination or at death. Follow-up intervals vary from seven to 15 months postoperatively. Special problems, such as irradiation, tumor site and the relative merits of the large versus the small intestine, are discussed.