EXTRAPLEURAL SUCTION BUTTRESS OF PRIMARY ESOPHAGEAL REPAIR

Buttress reinforcement of a primary esophageal repair after perforatio n may diminish the potential for breakdown or leakage of the approxima tion. We describe a method of reinforcing a primary esophageal repair by using pleural tissue that is secured in place with an extrapleural, soft T-tube attached to a suction device. This technique is simple to apply and may maximize recovery of respiratory function by permitting timely removal of chest tubes.