Repair of stricture of cervical esophagus with platysma myocutaneous flaps.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of repairing stricture of the cervical esophagus with platysma myocutaneous flaps.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with stricture of the cervical esophagus were treated by repair with platysma myocutaneous flaps. The causes of stricture included anastomotic stenosis of the cervical esophagus after colon graft transplantation due to esophageal caustic injury (12 patients), anastomotic stenosis after stomach transposition due to resection of the upper esophageal cancer (2), and stricture caused by limited erosive injury of the cervical esophagus (1). The lengths of stricture were about 3.5-4.5 cm. The stricture was incised longitudinally. The platysma myocutaneous flaps about 4 cm-5 cm x 6 cm-7 cm were resected and were transposed to repair the stricture.

RESULTS

All flaps survived and no death or serious complications occurred after operation. All patients gained normal functions in swallowing food.

CONCLUSION

Repairing stricture of the cervical esophagus with platysma myocutaneous flaps is simple, safe and effective.