Patch esophagoplasty with musculocutaneous flaps as treatment of complications after esophageal reconstruction.

A musculocutaneous flap is a simple and effective treatment for the complications which can follow esophageal reconstruction at the cervical portion, such as stricture, fistula, and infection of costal cartilages. After the strictured segment is opened or resected, the resultant esophageal defect can be replaced with the skin patch of a musculocutaneous flap. Then the muscle component of the musculocutaneous flap can be used to form a seal around the previously infected lesion site, an area with the potential for recurrent infection and leakage in subsequent operations. Seven patients were treated this way with satisfactory results.