Tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps for esophageal replacement in puppies: Long-term follow-up

Purpose: The aim of this study was to show that a tubed latissimus dorsi mu sculocutaneous flap (tubed LDMCF) may be useful for treating circumferentia l esophageal defects. Methods: A segment of esophagus 3 vertebrae long was excised through a righ t thoracotomy in each of 6 puppies, and a tubed LDMCF was interposed betwee n the cut ends of esophagus. The puppies were sacrificed after a mean follo w-up period of 6.6 years. The tubed LDMCF was examined histologically. Func tional integrity was assessed using barium meal and endoscopy before sacrif ice. Results: All puppies survived and grew normally on a normal diet, although 4 vomited occasionally. There was smooth passage of barium through the tube d LDMCF without stenosis, although endoscopy showed regrowth of hair. Histo logically, no metaplasia, dysplasia, or malignancy was observed in any tube d LDMCF. Conclusions: The tubed LDMCF is technically safe, obviates the necessity fo r laparotomy, and long-term follow-up would suggest that it is histological ly stable. Thus, it could become an alternative procedure for bridging esop hageal defects. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.