A latissimus dorsi muscle flap used for repair of the esophagus after enucleation of a giant leiomyoma--a case report.

A giant leiomyoma of the esophagus, 11.5 X 5.0 cm in size, which occupied half of the esophageal circumference, was surgically enucleated. A small epithelial defect caused by the enucleation of the tumor was directly closed, and a large muscular defect was covered with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap, introduced into the thoracic cavity through the space where the second rib had been resected. Postoperatively, a leakage at the epithelial suture line was noted, however, it was localized by the muscle flap coverage and spontaneously healed two weeks postoperatively. During the follow-up period of 1.5 years, no diverticle formation or stenosis occurred, and the patient had no complaints. The present clinical experience indicates that this procedure may be a useful method of grafting after excision of giant leiomyoma of the esophagus.