Tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps for thoracic esophageal replacement in dogs: possible clinical application.

A circumferential defect of the intrathoracic esophagus was successfully replaced with a tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in dogs. This flap obviates the necessity for laparotomy. Therefore, this technique might offer an alternative means of esophageal reconstruction in debilitated patients.