Case Report

Reconstruction of Cervical Esophagus Defects With Three Different Techniques

  • Eray COPCU
  • Alper AKTAS
  • Nazan SIVRIOGLU
  • Serdar SEN
  • Yücel ÖZTAN

Received Date: 04.05.2005 Accepted Date: 30.05.2005 Meandros Med Dent J 2005;6(3):37-41

Reconstruction of defects of the cervical esophagus is one of the most difficult tasks in reconstructive surgery. These defects are generally seen after tumors of hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. The method of reconstruction, which will be selected, therefore, must be reliable, a one-stage procedure with minimal morbidity and one that restores function in the shortest time possible. In this article, we present our experience with three different techniques: the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, the deltopectoral flap and a combination of cervicohumeral flap and skin grafting. Oral feeding was established early in all cases. We are of the opinion that the time for swallowing ability after operation is the one of the most important factors in determining the technique chosen for reconstruction of defects of the cervical esophagus. In conclusion, although three different techniques were presented in this study according to the surgeons choice, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. Since the partial necrosis in deltopectoral flap and necessity of the delay process in cervicohumeral flap were complications of the techniques, pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap may be accepted as a more suitable reconstruction technique.

Keywords: esophagus reconstruction, pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, deltopectoral flap, cervicohumeral flap\r\n