Further experience with tracheojejunal shunt speech after pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, 16 patients have undergone the tracheojejunal shunt operation for voice reconstruction after undergoing pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with free jejunum reconstruction for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. For the purpose of voice reconstruction, a 2-cm inferiorly based tracheal flap is obtained from the membranous part of the trachea by removing 4 cartilaginous tracheal rings. After the establishment of digestive continuity with the jejunal graft, a side-to-side anastomosis is created by approximating the incised margin of the jejunal mucosa to that of the tracheal flap. The tracheal flap is tubed to construct the tracheojejunal shunt. In addition, the incised margin of the jejunal serosa is sutured to the lateral wall of the shunt to reinforce the approximation of the shunt to the jejunal graft. Thirteen of the 16 patients (81%) were initially capable of voice production. The length of time during which tracheojejunal speech has been used ranges from 18 to 122 months, with a mean of 55 months. During follow-up, 12 of the 13 patients (92%) have been able to swallow without aspiration.