The Relationship Between Ischemia Time and Mucous Secretion in Vaginal Reconstruction with the Jejunal Free Flap an Experimental Study on the Rat Jejunum

Jejunum flap for reconstruction of the vagina provides a durable, stable coverage; patent tube passage; and natural esthetic appearance. However, excessive mucous secretion is a major drawback of the technique. We have recently presented our cases in which strict 3-hour ischemia with lower mucus secretion was applied. However, a quantitative analysis of goblet cells of the jejunum subjected to ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury on an animal model has not been reported to support this argument. Because goblet cells are responsible for the production and the maintenance of the mucous blanket, we aimed to determine whether goblet cell numbers decrease after ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study was conducted on 3 groups of 10 animals. We applied to the rat jejunum only ischemia in group 1, one hour of ischemia followed by reperfusion in group 2, and 2 hours of ischemia followed by reperfusion in group 3. Histological samples taken from the jejunum exposed to ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury were evaluated in terms of goblet cell numbers, inflammation, apoptotic bodies, and necrosis. Goblet cell numbers significantly decreased in the group of animals exposed to ischemia and exposed to ischemia-reperfusion injury. We think that mucus hypersecretion of the jejenum can be limited by applying a longer period of ischemia time during free flap transfer in vaginal reconstruction.