Page 27 - Head and neck surgery

Preservation of the lower esophagus which is devoid of tumour confers several advantages:

Reduction of respiratory complications associated with one-lung ventilation during

thoracoscopic mobilization of thoracic esophagus.

Preparation of stomach into a tube for passage into the neck compromises blood supply to the

stomach. When compounded with tension in the neck, there is increased chance of pharyngo-

gastric anastomotic leakage, ischaemia, mediastinitis and mortality. The use of free flaps such as

the FJ flap helps to reduce such complications.

Preservation of lower esophageal sphincter and stomach reduces reflux and early satiety.