Esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum for treatment ofchronic esophageal stricture in 2 horses

We report use of esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum for relief of chronic type I esophageal stricture in 2 horses. After esopha gomyotomy, the mucosa was dissected free from the muscularis for approximat ely 180 degrees around the myotomy. Then, the tunica muscularis of esophagu s was sutured to the sternocephalicus muscle ventrally and the periesophage al tissues dorsally to create a diverticulum without disruption of the esop hageal mucosa. Clinical signs of esophageal stricture were relieved, and th e horses were fed normal diets without further esophageal obstruction. (C) Copyright 2001 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.