Evolution, lessons learned, and contemporary outcomes of esophageal replacement with jejunum for children.

Creator(s)

Kyle Thompson
Benjamin Zendejas
Wendy Jo Svetanoff, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Brian Labow
Amir Taghinia
Oren Ganor
Michael Manfredi
Peter Ngo
C Jason Smithers
Thomas E. Hamilton
Russell W. Jennings

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2021

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.01.036

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The jejunal interposition is our preferred esophageal replacement route when the native esophagus cannot be reconstructed. We report the evolution of our approach and outcomes.

METHODS: The study was a single-center retrospective review of children undergoing jejunal interposition for esophageal replacement. Outcomes were compared between historical (2010-2015) and contemporary cohorts (2016-2019).

RESULTS: Fifty-five patients, 58% male, median age 4 years (interquartile range 2.4-8.3), with history of esophageal atresia (87%), caustic (9%) or peptic (4%) injury, underwent a jejunal interposition (historical cohort n = 14; contemporary cohort n = 41). Duration of intubation (11 vs 6 days; P = .01), intensive care unit (22 vs 13 days; P = .03), and hospital stay (50 vs 27 days; P = .004) were shorter in the contemporary cohort. Anastomotic leaks (7% vs 5%; P = .78), anastomotic stricture resection (7% vs 10%; P = .74), and need for reoperation (57% vs 46%; P = .48) were similar between cohorts. Most reoperations were elective conduit revisions. Microvascular augmentation, used in 70% of cases, was associated with 0% anastomotic leaks vs 18% without augmentation; P = .007. With median follow-up of 1.9 years (interquartile range 1.1, 3.8), 78% of patients are predominantly orally fed. Those with preoperative oral intake were more likely to achieve consistent postoperative oral intake (87.5% vs 64%; P = .04).

CONCLUSION: We have made continuous improvements in our management of patients undergoing a jejunal interposition. Of these, microvascular augmentation was associated with no anastomotic leaks. Despite its complexity and potential need for conduit revision, the jejunal interposition remains our preferred esophageal replacement, given its excellent long-term functional outcomes in these complex children who have often undergone multiple procedures before the jejunal interposition.

Journal Title

Surgery

Volume

170

Issue

1

First Page

114

Last Page

125

Recommended Citation

Thompson K, Zendejas B, Svetanoff WJ, et al. Evolution, lessons learned, and contemporary outcomes of esophageal replacement with jejunum for children. Surgery. 2021;170(1):114-125. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2021.01.036