What Is a Jejunum Tissue Transfer?

A jejunum tissue transfer is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and reliability.

Swallowing defects due to esophageal cancer can be repaired using jejunum flaps (grafts). A jejunum tissue transfer helps restore swallowing, which can be affected by esophageal cancer.

The small intestine is composed of three segments:

• Duodenum
• Jejunum
• Ileum

The surgeon takes about 10 to 20 cm of the segment of jejunum along with its blood supply to use as jejunum flaps.

• To repair defects of the pharynx after surgical removal of cancer of the pharynx
• To restore the patient’s ability to swallow

A jejunum tissue transfer is not recommended with:

• Previous surgery of the jejunum
• Uncontrolled abdominal swelling due to buildup of fluid
• Chronic conditions of the jejunum
• Patients who require the reconstruction of mouth, lips, tongue, nose, and other upper tract organs

Before the procedure

• The patient will be asked to undergo an endoscopy or a CT scan.
• Bowel preparation will be given the night before the surgery.
• The patient will receive antibiotics before the surgery.

During the procedure

• A long segment of the jejunum is removed using laparoscopy.
• The blood supply is located and harvested.
• The flaps harvested are placed at the site of the defect and adjusted.
• The incisions are closed.

After the procedure

• The patient is monitored overnight in an ICU.
• The patient is given medication for post-operative pain.
• Food is given via a feeding tube for a few days.
• The surgeon might perform a barium imaging test to check internal healing after 10 to 14 days.

The common risk and complications of a jejunum tissue transfer may include: 

• Bleeding
• Blood clot at the jejunum
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Fistula formation
• Narrowing of the jejunum
• Infection

A jejunum tissue transfer is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and reliability. The complication rates have declined with significant advancement in the techniques used in a jejunum tissue transfer.