A novel use of human acellular dermis for conduit salvage after esophagectomy.

Postesophagectomy anastomotic leaks cause significant morbidity and mortality. Esophageal diversion is often required when extensive tissue loss precludes primary repair. We describe a technique in which human acellular dermis (AlloDerm) is used to repair the conduit, and report a series of 3 patients with significant anastomotic dehiscence whose conduits were salvaged using this technique.