What is a jejunum tissue transfer?
Swallowing defects due to esophageal cancer can be repaired using jejunum flaps (grafts). A jejunum tissue transfer helps restore swallowing, which can be affected by esophageal cancer.
The small intestine is composed of three segments:
- Duodenum
- Jejunum
- Ileum
The surgeon takes about 10 to 20 cm of the segment of jejunum along with its blood supply to use as jejunum flaps.
Why is a jejunum tissue transfer done?
- To repair defects of the pharynx after surgical removal of cancer of the pharynx
- To restore the patient’s ability to swallow
A jejunum tissue transfer is not recommended with:
- Previous surgery of the jejunum
- Uncontrolled abdominal swelling due to buildup of fluid
- Chronic conditions of the jejunum
- Patients who require the reconstruction of mouth, lips, tongue, nose, and other upper tract organs
How is a jejunum tissue transfer performed?
Before the procedure
- The patient will be asked to undergo an endoscopy or a CT scan.
- Bowel preparation will be given the night before the surgery.
- The patient will receive antibiotics before the surgery.
During the procedure
- A long segment of the jejunum is removed using laparoscopy.
- The blood supply is located and harvested.
- The flaps harvested are placed at the site of the defect and adjusted.
- The incisions are closed.
After the procedure
- The patient is monitored overnight in an ICU.
- The patient is given medication for post-operative pain.
- Food is given via a feeding tube for a few days.
- The surgeon might perform a barium imaging test to check internal healing after 10 to 14 days.
What are the risks and complications of a jejunum tissue transfer?
The common risk and complications of a jejunum tissue transfer may include:
- Bleeding
- Blood clot at the jejunum
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Fistula formation
- Narrowing of the jejunum
- Infection
A jejunum tissue transfer is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and reliability. The complication rates have declined with significant advancement in the techniques used in a jejunum tissue transfer.
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