Local random flaps for cervical circumferential defect or tracheoesophageal fistula reconstruction after failed gastric pull-up: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy with a reconstruction of gastric pull-up is the most common treatment method for patients with multiple primary upper digestive tract carcinomas,such as hypopharyngeal carcinoma with thoracic esophageal carcinoma.However,neck circumferential defect and tracheoesophageal fistula after gastric necrosis are still challenging problems for surgeons and patients.CASE SUMMARY This case report presents 2 patients who underwent reconstructive surgeries using 4 local random flaps with a split thickness skin graft in the first case,and 6 local random flaps in the second case to close the circumferential defect and tracheoesophageal fistula after failed gastric pull-up.Both patients achieved good swallowing function and could take solid diet without dysphagia postoperatively.CONCLUSION For selected patients,local random flaps(with a split thickness skin graft)can be a simple and reliable solution for reconstructing tracheoesophageal fistula or cervical circumferential defect after gastric necrosis,especially when the necrosis extends below the thoracic inlet.

SELECTION OF SURGICAL APPROACH TO TREAT TRAUMATIC INSTABILITY OF SUBAXIAL CERVICAL SPINE

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical therapy in treating traumatic instability of subaxial cervical spine through either anterior or posterior approach. Methods According to the Allen-Fergurson's classification, we retrospectively studied 42 cases of traumatic instability of subaxial cervical spine through either anterior or posterior surgical reconstruction. Patients requiring approach for either reduction or decompression were not included. Results The average follow-up interval was 3 years and 2 months. The anterior and posterior reconstructions were 24 and 18 cases, respectively. Before operation, the average scores of JOA and VAS were: 12.1 and 6.9 for anterior group, and 12.3 and 7.2 for posterior group. At the final assement, the scores of JOA and VAS improved to 16.0 and 2.2 for anterior group, and 15.7 and 2.6 for posterior group. The average ASIA motor scores of anterior and posterior group improved to 68.2 and 65.5 at the final follow-up from 58.4 and 59.7 before operation, respectively. The ASIA grade (A-E) was converted to a numeric score. The average scores before operation in the anterior and posterior group were 3.3 and 3.4, and increased to 3.8 and 3.7 at the final follow-up. After operation, there were different extent improvements of average radiological parameter, such as Cobb angle, vertebral body translation and disc height ratio. The average operation time and blood losing were 122 min and 125 mL for anterior group, and 153 min and 287 mL for posterior group. Fusion was achieved in all patients and 4 and 2 complications occurred at the anterior or posterior group. Conclusion The results showed that there were no obvious difference in parameters, such as neurological assements, functional grades, fusion rate, operation time and blood losing, between anterior and posterior group, except the virtues of anterior group in reconstruction and maintaining physiologic cervical lordosis and intervertrbal disc height occurred.