Supercharged TRAM Evaluation in Cervical Esophagogastroplasty After Esophagectomy

The transfer of muscle parts is one of the main reconstruction techniques used in plastic surgery. Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap transfers are very considered due to high quality results, wide application in many cases, and small number of reviews in long term.

Beegle, in 1991 published a new technique of using TRAM supercharged in which microsurgical anastomosis are used between TRAM's unipedicled gastroepiploic deep artery and veins and thoracic branches and vessels, such as axillary and thoracodorsal vessels.

Looking for recover tissue blood perfusion and decrease morbidity rates associated with anastomosis ischemia, some studies showed large intestine or jejunum interposition plus an additional blood supply through venous and arterial anastomosis - colon or jejunum supercharged is effective. The isoperistaltic supercharged colon interposition was a good option to rebuild big esophagus parts in which stomach was not available.

Considering the post esophagectomy with gastroplasty high morbidity and mortality rates, strategies to create a new vascularization source and decrease anastomotic leakage rates is important. This is a single-institution, randomized clinical trial with participants recruited in the digestive system surgery clinic, at the Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP). Patients will be randomized to conventional esophagectomy or TRAM supercharged esophagectomy, and researchers will evaluate post-operatory complications in both groups.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of esophageal malignancy cancer;
• Ability to understand and collaborate during treatment;

Exclusion criteria

• Previous gastrectomy;
• Previous abdominal surgery with risk of altering stomach vascularization;
• Previous head and neck surgery with risk of alteration of cervical vessels.