Repair of stricture of cervical esophagus with platysma myocutaneous naps

Objective To observe the effect of repairing structure of the cervical esop hagus with platysma myocutaneous flaps. Methods Fifteen patients with structure of the cervical esophagus were trea ted by repair with platysma myocutaneous flaps. The causes of structure inc luded anastomotic stenosis of the cervical esophagus after colon graft tran splantation due to esophageal caustic injury (12 patients), anastomotic ste nosis after stomach transposition due to resection of the upper esophageal cancer (2), and structure caused by limited erosive injury of the cervical esophagus (1). The lengths of stricture were about 3.5 - 4.5 cm. The strict ure 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 strict ure. Results All flaps survived and no death or serious complications occurred a fter operation. All patients gained normal functions in swallowing food. Conclusion Repairing stricture of the cervical esophagus with platysma myoc utaneous flaps is simple, safe and effective.