Bakamjian island flap for patch esophagoplasty of the cervical esophagus

Esophageal stricture may result from chemical injury, progressive ischemic fibrosis, constriction of a previous esophagocolonic anastomosis site, or v ascular insufficiency of the transferred gut. The Bakamjian skin island fla p was employed as a patch for esophagoplasty to relieve focal esophageal st ricture in 12 patients. One of these patients developed postoperative leaka ge, which necessitated a secondary revision. The others had a smooth postop erative course and were able to resume oral intake with ease. It is conclud ed that the Bakamjian skin island flap is a reliable and convenient method for repairing short defects of the cervical esophagus in one stage.