Free microvascular transfer of the reverse ileo-colon flap with ileocaecal valve valvuloplasty for reconstruction of a pharyngoesophageal defect: indication and usage of the ‘funnel flap’

SummaryThe authors have designed a method of reconstruction for high pharyngeal and oesophageal defects that potentially avoids many of the disadvantages related to size mismatch at the proximal and distal end of oesophageal defects that are encountered with the use of free jejunal and colon flaps, respectively. An ileo-colon flap was used to reconstruct this type of defect where the ascending colon was anastomosed to the pharyngeal end and the ileum was anastomosed to the oesophageal end. Both sides were perfectly matched in circumference and minimal manipulation was necessary at both ends of the flap. A detailed description of the surgical technique is depicted and a case presented. While this procedure solves some of the problems encountered when dealing with this type of defect, it nevertheless does have some disadvantages and technical nuisances that are detailed and discussed in this report.