662 MICROVASCULAR MYOCUTANEOUS AND CUTANEOUS FREE FLAP RECONSTRUCTION FOR PATIENTS WITH TERMINAL ESOPHAGOSTOMY AFTER COMPLICATED ONCOLOGICAL ESOPHAGUS RESECTION

Abstract

Abstract Persisting anastomotic leak after oncological esophagectomy is a severe problem associated with high mortality and morbidity. Unfortunately, treatment options with promising results are scarce especially when conventional operative and endoscopic methods have failed. Due to limitation of oral intake and need for artificial nutrition quality of life is reduced. Microvascular myocutaneous and cutaneous free flap (MFF) reconstruction could be a promising alternative. Methods This retrospective cohort study presents seven patients treated between March 2017 and November 2020 at our surgical department, with terminal esophagostomy after complicated oncological esophagus resection without further feasible treatment options. All Patients received anastomotic MFF reconstruction. We have examined postoperative outcomes, complications according to Clavien-Dindo-Classification and patient contentment with a questionnaire. Additionally, we described important procedure related facts. Results The included seven male patients had median age of 65.15 years (range: 48–75). MFF function was adequate in six out of seven patients, graft rejection appeared in one patient. Five patients initially had good results, surgical revision was performed in one patient to ensure graft function. Postoperative complications appeared in 6/7 patients (Table 1). Mean duration of inpatient care was 63 days (Range: 24–156). At time of evaluation, one patient has died cancer related. No more additional nutrition was needed in 3/6 patients with adequate graft function. The majority of patients reported an improved quality of life compared to preoperatively. Conclusion MFF free flap can be a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with terminal esophagostomy after complicated oncological esophagus resection without further treatment options or in patients with complicated postoperative course with complex combined defects. The renewed ability of oral food intake results in a significant improvement of quality of life for the patients. No procedure related mortality was observed. Number of patients with regained ability of oral intake is encouraging.