The Application of Synthetic Grafts in Laryngectomy and Closing Esophageal Defects

Abstract

The author has used knitted polyester nets in plastic surgeries of the esophagus following operations of cancer of the larynx comprising 20 laryngectomies, 6 laryngectomies with previous X-ray therapy, and 2 cases of closing large esophageal defects after removal of the larynx. The operation technique has been discussed and histological investigations have been performed of the nets implanted in the esophagus. On the strength of his two years' observations the author suggests that knitted polyester nets may be used in plastic surgeries of the esophagus after operations of cancer of the larynx, as they prevent the formation of esophageal fistulae after laryngectomy and thus shorten the time of artificial alimentation, which makes possible an earlier start of the subsequent X-ray therapy. The nets can be used successfully in closing large and old esophageal fistulae and defects.