[Application of platysma myocutaneous flaps reconstructing esophagus in stenosis of cervical esophagus].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the application of platysma myocutaneous flaps (PMF) reconstructing esophagus in stenosis of cervical esophagus.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis was carried out in 33 patients with stenosis of the cervical esophagus reconstructed by PMFs in our department from April 1990 to January 2003. The patients were followed-up for 6 to 156 months with esophagography and esophagoscopy. The pathological changes of the flaps were examined with biopsy in 4 cases.

RESULT

There was no operative death. All the flaps survived. Three patients developed fistula of cervical anastomosis after operation and healed with conservative method. Stricture of cervical anastomosis occurred in 2 cases, one patient received Dilatation and one treated by reoperation. The transferred flaps had no ulcer and cancer in long time follow-up. The squamous epithelial lawyer of the skin is thinner, but keep keratinization. All the patients were able to take solid foods.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of repairing stricture of cervical esophagus with PMF is that the operative wound is small, the transference is easy and can be completed in one stage, the postoperative complication is low, the long-term result is excellent. The PMF is one of good option for cervical esophageal reconstruction.