Simultaneous Reconstruction of the Esophagus and Restoration of Voice Mechanism Using a Free Ileocolon Flap: A First Case Report from Türkiye

SERT G., NASIR S. N.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY, vol.32, no.4, pp.147-150, 2024 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Editorial Material
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.4103/tjps.tjps_16_24
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.147-150
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The reconstruction of esophageal defects with restoring vocal functions is challenging. Major disadvantages of using a fasciocutaneous flap include the requirement for a long suture line for tubularization, the slow healing of mucosa-skin anastomoses, and the necessity of using a voice prosthesis through a tracheoesophageal puncture. The transfer of the ileocolon flap is a totally autologous option for the simultaneous reconstruction of the esophagus and voice function. The ileocecal valve mechanism within the ileocolon flap obviates the need for the insertion of a voice prosthesis, and the terminal ileum acts as the voice tube which directs the air from the trachea to the neo-esophagus. In this report, we describe in detail the surgical technique of the free ileocolon flap transfer for this indication, as well as modifications aimed at reducing complication rates.