Prognosis of Esophageal Substitute in Tissue Viability and Anastomotic Leakage

Hitherto, accurate measurements of the blood flow through the organ for reconstructive operation of the esophagus have been difficult, and consequently prognosis of the anastomotic leakage has hardly been possible. Based on the laser-doppler method, however, we measured accurately, during operation, intramural blood flows in detail of the stomach mobilized as an esophageal substitute. In studying the blood flow distribution pattern through the gastric tube, software was devised and employed that is capable of preparing the flow distribution chart instantly by linking the flowmeter to the computer. By this method, the blood flow through the gastric tube and its distribution could be determined easily and noninvasively, and it was made possible to assess objectively and during operation the possibility of leakage.