Bovine esophageal surgery.

Esophageal disorders are relatively uncommon in cattle. The most frequently encountered problem is foreign-body obstruction, or choke. Other disorders may include perforation, rupture, stricture, diverticulum, and megaesophagus. Factors responsible for the high rate of complications associated with esophageal surgery include the lack of a serosal layer, movement during deglutition and reverse peristalsis, and an easily interrupted segmental blood supply. Important considerations of esophageal surgery include minimization of blood supply disruption, avoidance of transverse esophageal incisions whenever possible, provision of leak-proof closure of an incision or anastomosis and adequate drainage for the surrounding soft tissues, and restriction of postoperative oral alimentation and handling.