Functional and radiological evaluation of free jejunal transplant reconstructions after radical resection of hypopharyngeal or proximal esophageal cancer

Cancer of the pharyngoesophageal junction (PEJ) is associated with late onset of symptoms, high morbidity, and a dismal prognosis. Radical surgery with pharyngolaryngectomy and reconstruction with a free vascularized jejunal transplant has been increasingly practiced in the treatment of these patients. This strategy is not devoid of challenges, and the present study is aimed at evaluating the long-term functional outcome among patients who have undergone such surgical treatment. Ten patients (mean age 59 years) with a mean follow-up time of 54 months were included. Clinical assessment, health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires, and a standardized radiography examination were used for evaluation. The Karnofsky index ranged from 60 to 90 (mean 82). Global QL scores (EORTC QLQ-C30) had a mean value of 74, and the mean scores for dysphagia-related items of the EORTC QLQ OES-18 questionnaire were within the lower range. Radiographic signs of disturbed bolus transport through the jejunal transplant were found in all patients examined despite the grading of dysphagia from 0 to 1. The Watson dysphagia score varied between 0.5 and 45.0 (mean 16.2). No correlations were found between radiographic findings and the clinical evaluations or the outcomes assessed by the HRQL questionnaires. HRQL was found to be generally good after cancer of the PEJ and jejunal transplant insertion. Most patients reported mild dysphagia. Radiologic signs of disturbed bolus passage were common, but their clinical impact seemed questionable.