Intrathoracic application of the latissimus dorsi muscle for esophageal cancer operation.

In order to reinforce the difficult closure of the bronchial stump, or esophageal anastomosis, a pedicle flap, taken from the latissimus dorsi muscle, was applied to 7 patients with tracheal repairs, and 11 patients with extensively dissected areas, at the time of esophageal cancer surgery. Utilizing this technique, the complications associated with extended esophagectomy could be minimized. Intrathoracic application of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a useful method of supporting extended esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.