microsurgica.l treatment of upper esophageal carcinoma (free jejunal loop transfer)

there are unfortunately a relatively large number of cases of esophageal cancer in iran as well as other countries, and one of the most difficult problems facing surgeons is the reconstruction of the esophagus and restoration of its function after excision of the tumor. from 1978 to 1987,20 patients (16 male, 4 female) ranging in age from 22 to 68 years were surgically treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the cervical esophagus using free jejunal loop transfer by microsurgical technique. patients were followed up for two years postoperatively. the rate of recurrence of primary neoplasm was 50%. we consider free jejunal loop transfer a suitable alternative in the management of upper esophageal carcinoma, especially those complicated by previous reconstructive methods.